Everton's use of the loan market to recruit players this season is not unfair, according ex-Toffees midfielder Barry Horne.

The Blues signed Gareth Barry, Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu on temporary deals, and the players have regularly featured in Roberto Martinez's side this season as they compete for a Champions League place.

However, their method of recruitment has been met with criticism from some quarters, but Horne told the Liverpool Echo that the club have simply used the loan market better than their rivals.

He said: "To suggest that Everton's Champions League push has been built on a loan 'sham' is wholly unfair. It is disrespectful to the work that has gone on at the club in the last 12 months, and before.

"They are breaking no rules, they are simply using the loan market better than other clubs do.

"In an ideal world, would Everton want to be relying on loan players to achieve their aims? No. Of course not."

On the eve of Arsenal's defeat at Goodison Park last Sunday, manager Arsene Wenger was critical of the current loan system, which allows restrictions on players facing their parent club.