Everton utility player James Garner has insisted that midfield is the position he prefers to play in.
Garner was interviewed following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea and was asked about his contract negotiations.
The 24-year-old is in the final season of his current deal, though there is an option to extend it by a year.
Official talks have begun regarding renewed terms with the club. However, Garner insists his focus remains improving on the pitch.
When asked about his contract talks, Garner said: “I haven’t thought much about it, no. I am just touching in week in, week out.
“You can’t really think too far ahead, so week in, week out, I am just trying to get better as a player and try and help the team as much as I can.”
GARNER’S CONTINUED FORM WILL BE VITAL DURING BUSY PERIOD WITH OPTIONS INCREASINGLY THREADBARE
Garner’s versatility has been essential to Moyes’ side this season. Indeed, the Birkenhead-born player has featured in midfield, left-back and right-back.
However, regardless of where he’s played, he’s consistently brought quality to the side and has blossomed as a player this season.
Despite success in multiple roles, however, Garner insists that midfield is his ‘preferred position’.
He continued: “Midfield is my preferred position, but I am happy to play anywhere as long as I am playing.
“I am trying to grow as a player. I am trying to do my best week in, week out and hopefully the players, the manager and the fans can see that, but at the end of the day, week in, week out we need to be picking up points and today (against Chelsea) we fell short.”
The Blues could be without Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye for over a month. The pair are away on international duty at AFCON.
Meanwhile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish both suffered injuries at Chelsea.
Merlin Rohl has also been absent for a number of weeks, with no concrete timeline on his return.
James Garner’s continued form is going to be key over the festive period. With so many absentees, no doubt he’ll feature heavily in his ‘preferred position’.
