Wednesday 8 February 2017 14:06, UK
Morgan Schneiderlin thinks Everton can catch Liverpool and Manchester United in the race for European qualification.
Schneiderlin signed for Everton last month on a four-and-a-half-year deal until the end of June 2021, with the Toffees paying Manchester United an initial fee of £20million.
Recent results have been good for Ronald Koeman's side, who are unbeaten in seven Premier League games and have closed the gap on Liverpool and Manchester United, who occupy the two spaces above the Blues in the top six.
Schneiderlin sees no reason why they cannot catch the teams above them if they keep up their high standards.
"We want to finish high and catch the teams above us," he said.
"Liverpool are six points clear, Manchester United are five - so why not? We can catch them if we had a good run of games. We need to finish strong so we want to give the fans Europa League football for next season and build a platform."
Schneiderlin has a strong relationship with boss Koeman, under whom he worked at Southampton prior to his departure to Old Trafford 18 months ago.
"He says what he thinks, but that's important," Schneiderlin said.
"He wants the players to improve. But he is very calm. He keeps his head on his shoulders no matter if things are going well or bad.
"He tries to say good things and keep it straight. He is a winner - as both a player and as a manager, so it's important we do this for him."
Schneiderlin was speaking at an Everton 'Family Fortunes' format game show with the audience made up of randomly selected season ticket holders. The event was organised to allow fans to win complimentary season tickets for next season and to hear about how Everton is leading the way on season ticket prices with reduction and price freeze as well as flexible payment options.
