Mason Holgate makes Everton exit admission after Newcastle United and Burnley interest

Mason Holgate admitted he contemplated an Everton departure before Frank Lampard's arrival as manager.

The defender spent the first half of the season out of favour at Goodison Park.

During Rafa Benitez's short reign, Holgate racked up just 10 appearances and was sent off during a 0-0 draw with Tottenham in November.

It led to the former England international being linked with a potential departure in the January transfer window.

Premier League relegation rivals Newcastle United and Burnley were linked - along with Ligue 1 pair Monaco and Nice.

But after Lampard took over as Toffees boss, Holgate has played in all five games.

Had a managerial change not happened, the Yorkshireman confessed he could have pursued an exit.

Asking if he thought about a move elsewhere, Holgate told Everton’s match-day programme ahead of the FA Cup tie against Burnley: "If I am honest, yes.

“Everton is all I’ve known as an adult and it was going to be a very difficult decision.

“But if I didn’t think I was bringing anything to Everton, I’d feel I was hindering the club and wouldn’t want that.

“And I’d believe I could give something elsewhere. No matter how much you love one club, it is a short career.

“I could sit back when I am 40 after not playing many games and Everton would still have that big part of my heart, but I’d think, ‘Did I get the maximum from my career?’

“And I wouldn’t be able to answer, yes. I’d be saying I was happy to sit there and be a spare part.

“That is never something I’d want to do. I became a footballer to play football.”

‘More relaxed with this manager’

Holgate has been ever-present during Lampard's five matches in the Goodison hot seat.

He's now expected to play a major part in Everton's battle to avoid Premier League relegation.

And Holgate admits he's got his confidence back thanks to Lampard's managerial approach.

The former Barnsley centre-back added: “To be honest, I’ve not felt that level of confidence in me for a long time.

“I would never criticise anyone who has been here before, they worked hard and made the decisions they thought were best for the team.

“But it goes back to those big parts of my time here when I’ve gone into games thinking, ‘If I don’t get a clean sheet or play out of my skin, I won’t play next week’.

“It’s been a bit more relaxed with this manager, I can play my game, and, hopefully, keep doing well for the team.

“I feel I have had more support to show what I can do – and consistently playing games in my position is a huge help because I can get settled and know what I am doing."