Martinez eyes end to Everton’s trophy drought

Two Belgium internationals have impressed in the competition to help their teams to the final four, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring four times for City and Romelu Lukaku netting three goals for Everton.

The atmosphere has changed at Goodison in recent weeks as Everton’s form has trailed off and the tension and anxiety of fans was evident during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

Mirallas’ Everton future was also uncertain in the summer, although he ultimately made a decision to sign a new three-year-deal.

“What we have seen with Kevin is that he’s signed a new contract, had a good pre-season but we have really good attacking options”, he said.

“He’s had a suspension and injuries since then, but we expect Kevin to have a major, major influence in the second half of the season”. It is understood that Everton manager Roberto Martinez is keen to keep hold of the Belgian during the transfer window and has held talks with the unsettled player.

Soon, their defence could be enhanced by the return of Phil Jagielka but manager Roberto Martinez recently confirmed that the player will not be ready for the Manchester City clash, but could realistically feature in the FA Cup third round against Dagenham & Redbridge.

Tim Howard, who is likely to make way for Joel Robles in accordance with previous games in the competition, has sarcastically applauded supporters in both his last two appearances at Goodison after they cheered when he caught crosses.

“The fans are showing the great frustration we share”.

“The performances have been very, very consistent and that is where the frustration”. We need the help of everyone.

Asked if Martinez could be allowed to go, he said: “I’m sure over this window there will be that sort of trade”. “They see a fully committed team who give everything”.

‘Every time we have a blow we react, always fight until the end and some of our attacking play this season has been outstanding.

“Our fans are a huge part of how we can perform at home. Even though we are not where we want to be, we are close and have got to build on the win”.

“I feel that playing at home, Goodison at its very intimidating best, we can face anyone and we’re looking forward to replicating the level of our performance against Spurs”.

“It is important they play in games like this, that they develop and that they can then bring experience, because at the end of the day, the psychological aspect of a player in big tournaments is important”.

Martinez insisted he would have preferred the legs to be the other way around, saying: “When you’ve got a two-legged affair, you want the second leg at home”.