Ross Barkley message sent as Luton midfielder actions spark Everton supporter response

Rob Edwards said working with Ross Barkley had helped him to become a better manager and declared the 30-year-old still has more to give.

The Luton Town boss praised the Everton youth product, who left Goodison under a cloud of controversy, for his humility and “brilliant attitude”.

His comments came after Barkley tried to force his side through to what would have been a crucial win over the Blues as the teams played out a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.

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Barkley was given the man of the match accolade inside the ground and repeatedly came close to a second half breakthrough. At the end he applauded the travelling Everton supporters on a night that has sparked another summer of debate within the fanbase about whether a reunion should be considered.

One of the reasons for that debate was Barkley’s display. After the game Edwards said of it: “I was very pleased with him, I thought it was a very mature performance. His workrate was excellent, he used the ball intelligently, he was brave - it was typical Ross. I thought there were a lot of positives there.”

Sean Dyche also acknowledged the midfielder’s performance but, given the chance to talk about him, simply said "he's done well this season" and then shifted his focus onto Luton as a team.

Meanwhile, pressed on what Barkley has been like to work with, Edwards provided insight on a player who inspires a wide range of opinions, adding: “He is an excellent footballer. I have loved working with him. I like getting to work with top players - they challenge you, they make you better and hopefully we have been good for eachother. We have given him a real platform to go and show what he is about and he has taken that. I still think he has more to go, he will continue to learn, he has got a great mindset, he wants to work really hard, as I have said from the very beginning when people asked about him he has been really humble, has a brilliant attitude and we saw some of his qualities. Good players have more time than others on the ball and Ross is certainly one of those.”