Phil Jagielka has declared his excitement ahead of Everton's groundbreaking trip to Australia. The Goodison Park outfit jet off on Thursday for a three-week stint Down Under which will see them kick-start their pre-season preparations, reports the Liverpool Daily Post.

David Moyes' men will become only the third Everton outfit to have visited Australia after club trips in 1964 and 1987.

"I am looking forward to it," said the 27 year old.

"Obviously the travelling will seem very long but I have never been to Australia before.

"We have been to America quite a few times and that was top notch, so why not go a couple hours more to Australia?

"I get told by Tim Cahill all the time that the facilities are amazing and the country is amazing so it will be nice to go over there and sample it.

"I think the flight will be more sleeping instead of chatting. I think we will be spoilt, so we are looking forward to it."

The Toffees will play three matches whilst Down Under, taking on Sydney FC on Saturday, July 10, Melbourne Heat on Wednesday, July 14 and Brisbane Roar on Saturday, July 17.