James Garner believes working with “top” manager Frank Lampard and learning from a midfield teammate of Idrissa Gana Gueye’s quality and experience can elevate his game to new heights.

Summer signing Garner has featured as a substitute in Everton’s past two matches and added he is feeling fighting fit as he targets a first start for the Blues.

Lampard has declared his confidence the 21-year-old will develop into a “big player” for Everton, praising his varied and imaginative passing range, shooting ability and set-piece delivery.

Garner revealed what the Everton manager’s message to him had been in his maiden appearances for the Blues.

He told evertontv: “He’s asked me to get on the ball, shoot, cross and just try to create as much I can.

“He’s also, of course, asked me to stick to the gameplan, which is the most important thing. We’re a team.

“To be working every day with a guy like the manager… it’s top.

“You know what he’s done in his career, so if I can emulate somewhat of that, then I’ll be made up.

“It’s just great to be working with him, Ashley Cole and the rest of the staff.”

Garner completed his move to Everton from Manchester United just hours after Senegal international Gana sealed his Blues return, with the pair joining the Club on transfer deadline day.

In Gana, Garner has a midfield colleague with more than 500 senior appearances to his name and who has performed in the World Cup and Champions League.

“He’s definitely a player I can learn from,” said Garner. “The experience he’s got, the players he’s played with, the leagues and competitions he’s played in, he’s someone to look up to.

“He has helped me and I’m hoping to learn some more from his knowledge and his words of wisdom.

“He’s been there and done it. He’s played at the highest level and he still is, so he can help me massively.”

Garner’s attention is now focused on Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James Park, with Everton looking to hit back following defeats to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The England Under-21 international explained how the resolve and determination within the dressing room will ensure the Blues approach the match with a positive mindset.

“The atmosphere has been good in the squad,” Garner said.

“I think you can see that in the matches, with the way we’ve been fighting for each other and running for each other.

“If we stay together, which we definitely will, then we’ll be confident going into that Newcastle game.

“They are on a decent run but we have got a good team, with good staff around us, so we’ll just follow the game plan and hopefully get a good result there.”

On his readiness to start the game if called upon by boss Lampard, Garner added: “Ultimately, that’s the next step [for me].

“It took me a good few weeks to get me to where I am now [fitness-wise] but I’m definitely ready to go.”