BEN Godfrey is determined to work hard at Everton, despite having found game time hard to come by under Sean Dyche.

The York City academy product impressed in the Toffees' goalless Premier League stalemate with Fulham on Tuesday, in what was his first involvement since their 2-0 triumph at Burnley in mid-December.

Despite not having featured in their eight matches across that period, the centre-back returned to the starting line-up in style, finishing the game having made the joint-most tackles (four) and the second-most defensive clearances (seven).

Everton were indebted to the former Archbishop Holgate's pupil after his goal-saving tackle denied Brazilian midfielder Willian from breaking the deadlock during the first half.

And in fact the Tang Hall-born defender nearly nicked all three points at the death, his late strike causing havoc inside the Fulham box before the hosts somehow managed to scramble off the line.

There has been plenty of speculation over Godfrey's future at Goodison Park, with the 26-year-old linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Leeds United over recent months.

The ex-Norwich City star had also reportedly gained interest from Serie A side Atalanta, where he saw his deal collapse due to the abolishment of Italy's tax break, whilst a January move to the Whites was rebuffed by Everton.

Godfrey, who made 12 senior appearances for the Minstermen, told Everton TV that he would keep working hard to keep driving his teammates forward.

“It’s my job to compete on the weekend so it 's always tough when you don’t get the opportunity to be involved in Premier League games,” he admitted.

“But that’s football sometimes. It’s important for me that I just keep working hard whether I am playing or not, and keep driving the boys on.

"At the end of the day, I am part of the team and not everyone can play - I know that. 

“But when my opportunity comes to get out on the pitch, it’s important that I take it and help the boys as much as possible.”