A MINI NOT A BENTLEY FOR JAG; EVERTON v ASTON VILLA.

Byline: BY DAVID MADDOCK

AS Everton's most consistent performer this season, and a player frequently name-checked by Fabio Capello, Phil Jagielka has a lot to smile about.

Yet a year ago, even his sunny disposition was tested after a disastrous introduction to life in the Premier League.

On his current form, it won't be long before the defender becomes a regular in the England squad and adds to the solitary cap he won against Trinidad last summer.

It is very different to last season, when the defender admits he worried if he would ever adapt to the top flight.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't doubt myself. I was trying to move house, my missus had just given birth, so there were other things," he said.

"It was a tough time. It was the first time I'd moved anywhere to play football and it was hard for me.

The gaffer told me to be patient and I could be part of it. At times it was hard to believe him, but thankfully I got my chance and when I did, the team started doing well, so I stayed in."

Everton face Aston Villa tomorrow in a game that is probably the best of the rest in the Premier League. Whoever wins will surely be the best qualified to chase down the big four.

It is that rarefied level, battling for Europe every season, that Jagielka admits was something of a shock.

At his old club, Sheffield United, it had come so easily, the progress to the first team and even England B recognition.

But he recalls that the step-up to Everton - and he insists it is a higher level than even mid-table Premier League - was a culture shock at first.

"The people I used to train with at Sheffield were all good players, but they were not all internationals and maybe the intensity in training wasn't the same," he said.

"Coming here, nearly everybody is an international and trying to defend one-on-ones with Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar every day was tough.

"I wouldn't say I was out of my depth, but I did find it hard. The manager said I needed to understand the intensity and maybe he had a point. It is a step up. There is a gap at the top of the Premier League, but then there is a gap further down too and I had to adjust to that.

I hope I have now!"

It is interesting that Everton have managed to move above the Premier League pack, even though they do not have the cash to compete with Villa, Manchester City or Spurs.

So how do they do it? Jagielka says that while players are not really interested in behind-the-scenes politics, they understand quality on the pitch, and it is here that Everton have an edge.

Manager David Moyes must take great credit for producing a talented squad without any airs and graces.

"It's the way we are at Everton.

There aren't many who come in here being flashy and play the big star," added Jagielka.

"There's no-one who thinks they're better than anyone else and that's important. When everyone comes in, it's either cuddles or high fives all round and the foreign, crazy people do whatever it is they do.

"Everyone comes in laughing or joking. The training ground is a nice place in the morning.

"When you walk in, you see people who are your friends and not just work colleagues.

"We have some quality players, but we have a real spirit too, because we are all together, and that can take a club a long way."

Jagielka would never believe his own publicity, even if he does get the international recognition his form deserves.

While many footballers flaunt their wealth by buying flash cars, he turns up for training in a Mini.

Jagielka said: "The Mini's surprisingly spacious, I can fit in, no problem!"

CAPTION(S):

OLD BLADE With Warnock at Sheffield; STANDING TALL He's now tipped for England at Everton