Everton full back Leighton Baines is targeting Europa League glory with the Toffees going into the New Year.

It has been an indifferent start to the campaign for Roberto Martinez’ side so far this season. The Toffees are currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table, in 11th position, following their 3-0 defeat at Southampton last time out.

The Merseyside club have not managed to win back-to-back league games all season as they enter a busy festive period that begins with a Boxing Day clash with Stoke at Goodison Park.

The Toffees will then travel to the north east to take on Newcastle on Sunday before a New Year’s Day clash with Hull at the KC Stadium.

It has been a different story for Everton in the Europa League this season, as they finished top of what looked a tricky group on paper to qualify for the knockout stages.

The Toffees only lost one of their six group matches, and that came after they had already sealed qualification in the last group game against Krasnodar, and they will now face Swiss side Young Boys in the last 32 in February.

Everton are 15.00 fourth favourites to seal Europa League glory come May and Baines for one is pleased the side have took the competition seriously so far this campaign.

He said: “We’ve qualified for Europe and done well thus far. We’re excited to go into next year and do as well as we can in the Europa League. It’s a competition that we have embraced.”