According to Everton keeper Tim Howard, defender Leighton Baines is the unsung hero of the Toffees season. "With Bainesy at left-back it's not a glamour position and I think it's hard sometimes to see just how effective he is," said Howard.

"He's our key cog. We've got Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar and those guys, and obviously Kevin Mirallas, can produce a bit of magic.

"But without Bainesy this team doesn't go. It's just hard sometimes for people on the outside to see that."