Everton defender Phil Jagielka admits their European hopes hinge on seeing off Aston Villa this weekend.

"Fourth place would have made it a fantastic season but we can kiss that goodbye now," admitted the former Sheffield United man.

"We will obviously keep trying until the end but we have to make sure we do finish fifth now.

"That's why it will be a very interesting game next weekend against Aston Villa."

He added: "The fans have had quite a few decent nights here and maybe they are frustrated now because we're not playing as well as we can do and the form isn't quite there.

"But all the boys want to finish in fifth and, hopefully, a couple more decent results will see us there."