Tim Howard feels Everton are back in the section of the English Premier League table where they belong.
The Toffees moved up to seventh after their 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa on Saturday and the USA international says the chase for European football is now on again after a tardy start.
"We were adrift for a while but we're right back in the thick of where this club belongs - fighting for Europe every season," he told evertontv.
"It's taken us a bit longer than we would have hoped but we're there and it's good to be talking like that.
"People made more if than they should, two months ago I was asked about whether we worried about the teams below us.
"But two wins puts us up near the European places, you just need to be positive."
Everton are preparing for this weekend's trip to second-bottom Wolves - a win could see them go within a point of Merseyside rivals Liverpool provided the Reds lose to Manchester City on Monday.
