Premier League: Aaron Lennon aims to prove his critics wrong at Everton

Aaron Lennon intends to use his loan spell at Everton to remind people of his capabilities and regain a place in the England squad.

The winger, 27, made just three Premier League starts for Tottenham this season, the last of those on December 6.

So when the transfer window opened he was desperate to move out on loan.

He made his Toffees debut as a substitute in the goalless Merseyside derby at the weekend but is looking to get up to speed quickly to prove he still has something to offer.

It's been a tough year. I've hardly played at all this season. It's something I've not been used to before

"It's been a tough year. I've hardly played at all this season. It's something I've not been used to before," he said.

"I've been used to playing week in, week out throughout my career and this has been the first season when I've not been involved so it's been tough to deal with that.

"You've got to be professional in situations like that. He (Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino) hasn't really explained why I've been left out.

"He didn't say much at all, just that I could go when it came to the end of the window. I've just kept training hard and hopefully I can take this opportunity with Everton.

"I still feel I'm capable of doing it for England. Hopefully if I can get a run of games and get back to the level of form I know I can reach then who knows?"

Lennon's arrival on Merseyside was more memorable for his photoshoot with the club shirt – in which he looked less than thrilled to be at Goodison Park. The pictures went went viral but he admits his expression was down to his discomfort being in front of a lens and not joining the Toffees.

And he said his mother would not have been happy with the pictures.

"I've been getting a lot of stick about the photos to be fair," he added. "It's all good banter though, on Twitter, from the lads here and from my mates as well.

"I'm not the best with photos at any time to be honest - I never smile and my mum tells me that all the time. It was nothing really. The photos might not have looked that way but I'm buzzing to be at Everton.

"A few clubs came in but as soon as I heard Everton were in that was my only choice: as soon as the call came I couldn't wait to get up the motorway.

"The manager (Roberto Martinez) and the staff here have been brilliant in helping me settle in straight away. They've made it easy to settle in so far.

"My immediate aim is to help Everton as much as I can. I don't think it's about proving myself again but I've not played much football this season so sometimes you do drop a level and people start forgetting about you.  Hopefully I remind people quickly at Everton.”