Veteran midfielder Gareth Barry has told his Everton team-mates they must improve their home form if they are going to climb into the top half of the Premier League.

The Blues have tasted victory just three times in the league at Goodison Park, with five defeats and four draws inflicted on them from 12 games to date.

Only relegation candidates Sunderland (1.20 – Relegation) and Aston Villa (1.03) have taken fewer points on home soil, although the Toffees have shipped more goals than any other side, with 22 conceded at Goodison Park.

Seven away draws have kept Roberto Martinez’s men in mid-table, but Barry, 34, admits their home form is nowhere near good enough for a side with aspirations of challenging for a European finish.

The former Manchester City star said: “The results haven’t been what they were and the home form is nowhere near what it should be.

“We are not using Goodison Park to how it can be used. The players are aware the fans are frustrated but it is down to us to play through that. Teams are picking up on that and coming here and realising that Everton can be got at in front of their own fans.

“It is down to us to do something about that and get back to something where we are tough to beat here but not taking away our attacking play, which is really good.”

Everton are on Capital One Cup duty in midweek and then travel to Carlisle in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Blues are 1.40 to beat the Cumbrians (7.00) while the draw is at 4.75.