Heitinga to fight for Everton place

Everton defender John Heitinga is determined to stay at the club and fight for his first-team place.

The Holland international was on the bench for Monday's victory over Manchester United at Goodison Park and was sent on to shore things up with just a minute remaining. There has been some speculation about the 28-year-old's future over the summer but despite seemingly being behind Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin to play at centre-back he is not looking for a way out. "I will fight for my position and stay at Everton," said Heitinga in a question and answer session on Twitter. "Everton is a big club. A club where I feel really well." Asked whether he would consider returning to former side Ajax he added: "I learnt in football never to say never. Ajax and Everton are my clubs. The time isn't there yet to come to Amsterdam."