Defender Leighton Baines believes a successful festive programme with seven points out of nine has given Everton a platform to build on for the second half of the season.

"It is tough going for everyone over this period but to come away with a 3-0 victory is good for us," said the left-back.

"It gives us confidence, that comes with wining games. The important thing is now to go and build on it.

"We have an important game in the FA Cup (at home to Leicester) and if we can get a win in that the place will be lifted.

"We had good cup runs last year (getting to the semi-finals of both the FA and League Cups) so we'll look to do that little bit better this year.

"With young players you expect energy and the work-rate to be good but on top of that you can see the quality," Baines told evertontv.

"Tom Davies is a really important player for us. We are going to be missing Idrissa so between Tom and the other lads who are here - James McCarthy is coming back from injury - there is a good chance they will be needed."