Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has received a confidence boost ahead of the new campaign following his goal in the friendly defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Toffees were defeated 3-1 by their Premier League rivals in the Barclays Asia Trophy final, but the England midfielder did give the club’s supporters something to cheer with a late consolation strike in Singapore.

The 21-year-old admitted that the goal has now given him a much-needed confidence boost going into the new campaign, after he endured a difficult season last time out.

He said: “I’m pretty pleased with the strike. It was a great effort with my weaker foot. When I came on for the second half, I felt that I played pretty well… and I’m hoping to kick on from here.”

The youngster, who has won 13 caps for England since making his debut in 2013, only managed to find the back of the net on two occasions in 22 Premier League starts last season and he revealed that no matter how hard he tried he could not find the solution to his struggles.

He continued: “When it went in, I felt more confident in myself. Last season I felt that I didn’t have much confidence, but I kept pushing on and kept trying to get better.”

The attacking midfielder is now hoping to enjoy a fast start to the new season, with the Blues kicking off their campaign with a home clash against newly-promoted Watford on August 8.

The Merseyside club are the 1.73 favourites to begin the season with a win, whilst the Hornets are available at 5.00 and the draw is on offer at 3.75.