Returning defender Leighton Baines believes Everton are well placed for an impressive season following their 2- 0 win over Middlesbrough in the League Cup quarter-final.
The left-back made his first appearance for seven months after an ankle injury when he came on with 17 minutes remaining at the Riverside Stadium.
"We are excited about where we are at the moment and we are looking forward," the 30-year-old told evertontv.
"This [cup] run is something we are all excited about - you could see that in the way we played and the support we brought up.
"There are no easy rides and we are prepared for that. We are made up to be in the [semi-final] draw.
"We are not far off from where we want to be in the league as well. We are a few good results away from getting back in the mix for the European positions and there is no better time to hit form than now over the Christmas period."
"It was great to get back out on the pitch," he said. "It has been a long time for me – it is getting on for seven months now since I last played any competitive football - so it is nice to be involved."
