• Premier League

Barkley must now focus on Everton - Martinez

Ross Barkley's form with Everton has made him a firm contender for England's World Cup squad © Getty Images

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Everton manager Roberto Martinez has called on Ross Barkley to focus on his club form in order to book himself a place in Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad.

Martinez, appointed in June, takes part in the Merseyside derby for the first time when Liverpool visit Goodison Park in the Premier League on Saturday.

And the Spaniard has urged Barkley to use the rest of the season at Everton to prove he deserves his place on the plane to Brazil.

The 19-year-old has emerged as a strong contender for England's World Cup squad after figuring in both international friendlies in the last week - he played 13 minutes of last Friday's 2-0 loss against Chile too.

Now that Barkley has ended his involvement with the national squad until 2014, Martinez is urging the Liverpool-born youngster to focus on his club form.

"In football, you need to concentrate on the day-to-day work, and that's where Ross is," he said.

"He's enjoying his experience with England. When he came on yesterday, he was himself, and that's always important.

"But all he needs to do now is concentrate on his club role and make sure that he's ready to help the team, enjoy his season, develop and grow.

"And then the reward is always around the corner after your good work on a daily basis.

"Sometimes you can get confused as a player. But the question of how you're going to affect what happens in the national team is very easy to answer. It's about what you do at club level."

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