Everton fullback Leighton Baines admits they're happy Luis Suarez will be missing for Liverpool ahead of next weekend's derby.

Baines believes Suarez's absence gives he and his team-mates a significant advantage.

"Yes, we're glad we don't have to face Luis Suarez because he's a top player and he has done so much for Liverpool this season," said Baines, who hopes to help Everton finish above Liverpool for the first time in successive seasons since 1962.

"If they had been missing him this season they probably wouldn't be where they are in the league at the moment. He will be a big loss for them.

"But they have got very good players throughout the team and it will be up to them to come to the fore and keep them going.

"We understand the importance of it, it is a big game.

"Every derby is massive because of what it is and it means so much to the fans and us as players as well. But there is no added importance because it is at the end of the season, it is just another derby."