Dwight McNeil has described how he wants to reach the next level at Everton after bouncing back from a Manchester United disappointment at Burnley.
The winger put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract at Goodison Park on Thursday afternoon to become the club's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of James Tarkowski and Ruben Vinagre. That brings an eight-year spell with the Clarets to an end, the club which gave him an opportunity after he was released by his boyhood club at 14.
He credits Burnley for helping him become the player that he is today, but he is now targeting a progression to the next level with his move to Merseyside.
READ MORE: Everton confirm Dwight McNeil transfer as Frank Lampard's third summer signing
READ MORE: Dwight McNeil's first words as an Everton player following Burnley transfer
The winger told Everton's official YouTube channel: "I'm hungry, hungry to try and get more appearances under my belt this season, learn more and help out this squad.
"At that age it was quite hard to take from your boyhood club, but I had the opportunity to go to Burnley and luckily for me they wanted to take me under their wing. They did and it helped me become the player I am today.
"I think coming here is going to help me get to that next level and that's what I'm looking to improve on. I think being around other great players they help you out massively as well and it's just good to learn from them every day, be around them.
"Looking forward to the future that's where every player wants to be. I'm looking forward to coming into this group, and I know this season could be a big one not just for the club but for the fans as well."
McNeil will face fair competition for places after making his move to Everton, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray regular starters in the side. Andros Townsend is currently sidelined with a long term injury, but he will be keen for playing time when he returns to the fold too.
The new Blues man is looking forward to the competition, but also learning from those more experienced heads around him while playing as may matches as possible.
"I can imagine they're all great lads, playing against them they're all amazing players. I'm looking forward to joining in," he added.
"He's [Townsend] been in the game for such a long time, it's good to have them older lads behind you to give their experience and help you in both sides of the game.
"I learn the most from playing the games, you learn more and get more out of it. It's about playing as much as I can and helping the lads out."
McNeil has trained with the England squad in the past and, with the World Cup coming up in the winter, he was asked whether his ambitions lie there in the future. However, he was keen to brush that aside for now and just focus on settling into his new club.
That could be helped with familiar faces in not just Tarkowski, but also Tom Davies and Ben Godfrey who he knows well from the Three Lions youth setup.
He remarked: "Obviously I know how good the [England] squad is, looking at how well they did at the Euros and the World Cup. But I think obviously you never know what could happen in the future.
"First and foremost it's about settling in, just enjoying my time being here, and being sure I'm good to go.
"I've been in contact with Tarky and he's told me how much he's enjoyed it, obviously going away on the pre-season tour and coming back. It'll be good to see him again, reunite and to meet the other lads as well.
"I know them [Davies and Godfrey] from past experiences, and that makes it a little bit easier and helps you settle in faster. It's a beautiful training ground and a great setup to come and work.
Everton take on Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park on Friday evening in their final pre-season match of the summer. They will then host Chelsea on August 6th to kick off their Premier League campaign.
The club's new number seven, who had a simple message behind his choice of shirt, is eager to get underway for his new side. However, it's unclear whether he will be involved in the playing squad on Friday or whether he will just integrate himself with his new teammates.
He said: "This one [shirt number] just appealed to me the most!
"I'm very eager, it's been a fast turnaround and it's a massive start to the season. Hopefully on Friday I'll be around it with the lads. I'm ready to go and very happy to be here."
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