Mykolenko on 'pressure' and sleep

Vitaliy Mykolenko says early in his Everton career, the "pressure" of being in a relegation battle would sometimes stop him from sleeping, and that he still struggles with the club scrapping for survival.

Everton sit in 16th place in the Premier League, only two spots above the relegation zone and talking about it to BBC Radio Merseyside's reporter Giulia Bould, Mykolenko said: "It's very tough and mentally hard - when you play three years and every year you've got a relegation battle, it's not very easy for me.

"I struggle with it, but I'm coming on the pitch every time and trying to be a better player and to help us not be in a relegation battle."

The Ukrainian also said it's difficult for him to switch his focus away from the football, and was asked if he thinks about it when he's at home, stating: "Of course, I'm trying to change my mind but my wife said 1or 2 years ago when we were in the relegation zone for some games - I woke up every morning and was in one area and she said don't worry it's all OK.

"I'm worrying about it especially at the end of the season in the first season. I couldn't sleep some times because of this pressure - but it's OK."

The 25-year-old also spoke about Everton's fans, stating: "I understand them, if they are supporting us every game and we don't get the result. It's so annoying if we're losing or drawing.

"I understand them, but as a player I'm trying to do a better job to get points and win games, especially at Goodison."