Ashley Young says he is relishing the opportunity of playing in a more advanced position across Everton's past two matches - and also praised the persevering attitude amongst his teammates that was once again on show against in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. 

The former Manchester United captain - who missed eight games through December and January after being forced off with an injury during the 2-0 home win over Chelsea - returned to Sean Dyche's started XI for last week's 0-0 draw at Fulham. He also started Saturday's game against Spurs, in both taking on a more advanced right-wing position. 

Since arriving as a free agent ahead of this season, the 38-year-old has spent the bulk of the campaign playing at full-back, however, he admitted it's been hugely enjoyable again to play in an advanced role where he first made his name. 

“It feels great to be fair, I have always enjoyed playing high up the pitch," he explained. “I prefer it. Unfortunately for us, we have got injuries, so you have to be able to adapt. 

"Obviously, you are a wide man, so getting balls in the box, getting on the scoresheet and assisting goals is what a winger needs to be doing. You also have work to do defensively as well. But it is an all-round performance.

“I have enjoyed playing higher up. I am here to do a job and I am delighted to be doing the job. As long as the manager wants me to play there, I will give 100 per cent.” 

As had often been the case this season, Sean Dyche’s men dominated a large portion of proceedings in Saturday’s clash against Tottenham at Goodison Park, outshooting their visitors by 14 efforts to nine and accumulating a significant Expected Goals (xG) total of 2.62. 

Yet, the Blues were forced to come from behind on two separate occasions to secure a crucial point in the eventual 2-2 draw. Jack Harrison cancelled out Richarlison’s early lead before the former Toffee put Ange Postecoglou’s men ahead against the run of play again just before half-time. 

Everton remained undeterred, though, and finally got their reward late in second-half stoppage time when Jarrad Branthwaite nodded home a deflected James Garner free-kick. 

“We’ve always said we have a great team spirit,” said Young reflecting on the display. “Obviously, things have gone against us in the league but that is out of our hands. We have just got to go and win games then wait to see what comes about. 

“I have always said, the team spirit and togetherness that we have here is going to push us to where we want to be. We will take each game as it comes and see where we are at the end of the season.”

Young added that the manner of Everton’s display throughout Saturday’s contest was key for the team in sustaining belief that they would eventually find the crucial equalising goal. 

“In the first half, we had the better of the chances but found ourselves coming in 2-1 down which was bitterly disappointing,” he admitted. 

“We played well and didn’t deserve to be behind in the game, but we always play to the end and keep pushing. When you dominate a game, you know there are always going to be chances. We knew we could get another goal and the boys showed that. We fully deserved the point.”