Leighton Baines admits Everton's UEFA Cup qualification was a key to him choosing Goodison Park this week.

The former Wigan Athletic left-back told EvertonTV: "Europe is always something you are looking for as a player, and something I am happy about because you need that European experience to help you progress onto the next level.

"Everton had a good season last time out, the lads did really well so hopefully we can build on that, get into Europe again and have a decent European campaign."

Baines already has a good friend in the Everton dressing room - striker James Vaughan, currently out until November with a dislocated shoulder.

The pair became pals during the summer when they were both in the England Under-21 squad, and Baines explained: "I watched Everton's recently friendly with Werder Bremen with him - hopefully there will be a lot more European games like that this season.

"I got to know 'Vaughany' well over the summer, we spent a lot of time together.

"There seems to be a good mix here. There are some experienced lads and quite a few good young lads as well - victor Anichebe as well being one of them.

"He and 'Vaughany' were a real handful up front last season and playing against them wasn't easy."