Everton youngster Ross Barkley admits it is frustrating not to play regular in the first-team but insists that David Moyes is the best man to help him develop as a footballer.

The 18-year-old midfielder made his debut against QPR in August and started the club’s first three games of the season.

However, he has dropped to the bench in recent weeks as his manager looks to protect him from too much exposure too soon.

The Scot must have been tempted to unleash the talents of the driving midfielder with his side struggling to even create chances let alone score goals and win games. Despite being regulars in the top six over recent seasons Everton are now among the contenders in the relegation betting markets after yet another slow start to the season.

Barkley though appears to have an old head on young shoulders and appreciates what Moyes is trying to do.

He only has to look at the progress of Jack Rodwell and Wayne Rooney to see what graduates from the Everton Academy can achieve.

"It can be [frustrating] because I want to play all the time but I fully understand because I am still only very young and the manager knows what he's doing and what's best for me," Barkley told Evertonian magazine.

"He's had young players coming through before. That's what's great about Everton; the manager will always give young players the chance to play at the right time.

"I think I'll play in the FA Youth Cup this season, which will be useful."

Those who Watch Football Live at Goodison Park will be relieved to hear the Barkley is expected to sign a new five-year contract with the club next week, a sign that despite the club’s financial problems they remain committed to nurturing young talent.