Niclas Alexandersson has been afforded special praise from David Moyes since the pre-season training campaign began, and the Swede himself is relishing the battle to force his way back into the first team.

The manager has been delighted with Alexandersson's early contribution and the player, who suffered a torrid season last time out, playing just four matches in total and contributing just one goal, is certainly feeling all the better for his clear summer break.

"This is the first time since I came to England six years ago that I've been able to take part in pre-season right from the start and I think that will benefit me," he told evertonfc.com."

"I had a rest from internationals in the summer and I did a bit of running at home so I feel better prepared now than ever."

The Blues wide-man has been a part of the Swedish international scene virtually since he turned professional in his homeland and as proud as he is to wear the yellow jersey, he's enjoyed the break this year.

"It makes a real difference," he agreed."Last summer I was at the World Cup which is quite hard both physically and mentally but this year I'm fresh in both mind and body."

He's just hoping now that he can stake a claim for a first team place and make the right side of the midfield his own position once again.

"There's nothing more frustrating than being on the sidelines and watching the others play," he said."You just want to be part of it yourself, but there's a big squad here and the fight for places is a lot harder."

Alexandersson was speaking exclusively to the official website on the second morning of the Austrian tour and he confessed that day one had taken a lot out of him.

"Yes, it was quite a long day," he grinned."They were three hard sessions and I can feel a bit of stiffness, but that's the way it's got to be I guess!

"It's so important to get a good pre-season behind us and we've been doing a lot of training for all parts of the body to prepare us properly for the start of the season.

"I'm enjoying it though, and that's because I know just how important it is."