Everton boss Roberto Martinez admits they are taking the Capital One Cup seriously.

Everton are at Fulham tonight.

"It is good we have extra time to recover from the league game but it is more from the West Ham game to the cup game that we have to take into consideration how players are," he said.

< "I'm quite pleased we have an extra few days to recover for the Newcastle game but clearly this squad for the Carling Cup game will be based on the efforts of the previous two games.

"I think every game that you play in an official manner is an important game but what is important is that we understand we have to share the demands within the squad and I do feel this squad is ready to cope with that.

"It is that competition I am interested in. I expect a real good performance whichever team is on the pitch.

"We are desperate to get through but it will be a great opportunity for certain players to show what they can do - and even more after what has happened in the last two games raise competition within the squad.

"The squad is big enough to be able to give the time to the players who need to recover.

"To be successful in the cup you need to accept the challenge."