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Cape Town - Roberto Martinez is sticking to his plan to get the best out of Ross Barkley as the English Premiership heads into the busy festive season programme.
Ross Barkely was always going to be used as impact player in the Toffees fixture against Manchester City according to the Everton boss.
The England international midfielder played just 35 minutes against City as the defending champions held on for 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Barkley had each of the previous three fixtures in the week leading up to the clash against Manuel Pellegrini's side and Martinez stood firm on his decision when talking after the match.
“Ross was terrific when he came on,” he told evertontv.
“It was always the plan for him to come off the bench because he had played three games in the last seven days.
“Today we wanted to finish really strongly and I think Ross made a real impact when he came on.
“When you see him in full flow, full of energy and full of power – it really brings a smile to your face.”
Martinez bemoaned Barkley's yellow card for simulation against City. The Spanish manager thought his young midfielder was treated "badly" by the referee.
"It seemed to be a thought in his head that he had to be aware of Ross diving, when he is actually a player who takes a lot of knocks in games." added Martinez.
Lying in 12th place on the log, Everton host an unpredictable Queens Park Rangers at Goodison Park on Monday, December 15.
The match kicks off at 22:00.
