Roberto Martinez has said that Everton have not lacked leadership during captain Phil Jagielka's spell out injured.
The Toffees skipper has been sidelined with a hamstring injury in recent weeks, resulting in Leon Osman and Leighton Baines both taking the captain's armband during his absence.
The manager told the club's website: "I think we've been very fortunate in that respect. The dressing room shares real good leaders and it's not just the one who wears the armband.
"Phil Jagielka is the club captain and is an incredible influence but we've got many leaders who have been through many situations with our football club. They know what it means to play for and to represent Everton.
"When you mention Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and the work of Sylvain Distin, these are proper leaders. They don't need to wear an armband to have a real influence in what we do every day."
Jagielka could return to action when Everton host Swansea City tomorrow afternoon.
Sian Cowper
