Brighton defender Shane Duffy has revealed he left Everton because he never felt he would make a serious first-team breakthrough at Goodison Park.
The 25-year-old centre-back is a product of the Toffees academy and was schooled at the Merseyside club.
However, he left them in 2014 to join Blackburn and ended up making just 10 senior appearances for Everton.
The Republic of Ireland international went on to make a £4million switch to Brighton in 2016 and is now in the Premier League with the Seagulls.
He has started every single game int he league this season and is part of a Brighton team that are surprising people in the top flight.
Duffy has explained that he was pushed down the pecking order at Goodison Park by the emergence John Stones, who is now a star defender for Manchester City.
Duffy claimed he never had the belief he could progress into a senior player at Everton, but his career has turned out well since his departure.
“Martinez came in and he (Stones) kicked on,” Duffy told the Independent. “He’s obviously world-class and only going to get better.
“I don’t think I ever had the feeling I was going to be a proper first-team centre-half there. It was time to have a career for myself.”
OPINION
Duffy never failed to make a serious impact at senior level for Everton, but he is ironically the type of player they need in their side right now. The Toffees are on the search for a successor to Ronald Koeman and their vulnerable defence is a big part behind his sacking as manager. Duffy is a no-nonsense defender that has shined so far in the Premier League for Brighton and is proving great value for money at the £4million paid for him. Meanwhile, Ashley Williams is one of several Everton defenders to see their form dip considerably this campaign. Michael Keane is still adjusting to life since his summer move and club captain Phil Jagielka is now reaching the latter stages of his career.