Everton defender Phil Jagielka is looking forward to the return of his team-mates to pre-season training next week.

The 26-year-old had an operation in April on a ruptured knee ligament and admits that although his rehabilitation is on track he is getting frustrated.

"Everything is on schedule. It's a long process which is starting to get to me a little bit but I've got to keep smiling," he said.

"The rest of the boys will be back in soon enough and they will have some stories and a bit of banter to keep me going for another month or two.

"When everyone is back I'm sure the days will go a lot quicker. I'm still looking at November.

"I go to see the specialist in four weeks and he will give me an idea how it is all doing."