Morgan Schneiderlin has insisted that Everton can catch Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for European qualification.
The French midfielder signed for the Toffees from United for £20m last month on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
And Schneiderlin has made it clear that hesees no reason why Everton cannot challenge his former club, and Liverpool, to reach the Europa League come the end of the season.
"We want to finish high and catch the teams above us," he toldSky Sports."Liverpool are six points clear, Manchester United are five - so why not?
"We can catch them if we had a good run of games. We need to finish strong so we want to give the fans Europa League football for next season and build a platform."
Everton are unbeaten in seven Premier League games, having beaten Bournemouth 6-3 at Goodison Park on Saturday, and are now just five points off United in sixth place.
And Schneiderlin has credited manager Ronald Koeman for Everton's notable progression this season.
"He says what he thinks, but that's important," he added."He wants the players to improve. But he is very calm. He keeps his head on his shoulders no matter if things are going well or bad.
"He tries to say good things and keep it straight. He is a winner - as both a player and as a manager, so it's important we do this for him."
Everton are next in action with a trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.