Baines backs Everton to kick on in 2017

Leighton Baines became only the third defender to reach 30 Premier League goals on Monday night but the Everton left-back insists his focus is solely on the team.

Baines slotted home from the penalty spot to join David Unsworth – who is currently the Everton Under-23s boss – and John Terry in the top three goal-scoring defenders list.

Baines’ strike was the third in their 3-0 win over Southampton on Monday that rounded off their busy Christmas period in style.

The Toffees have only lost once in their last five league games and currently sit seventh in the table and with attentions now turning to the FA Cup this weekend, Baines is pleased with his side’s progress.

“It was a good win but we had to be patient. It’s tough going for everyone over this period but in the end to come away with a 3-0 victory is brilliant for us,” said Baines, whose side play Leicester City in the third round.

“Obviously it does give us confidence, that’s natural, it comes with winning games. The important thing for us now is to go and build on it. We’ve got a big game in the cup that we want to do well in, so if we can get a win in that then I think the place will definitely be lifted.

(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

“We had good cup runs last year so, of course, we’ll look to do that little bit better this year.

“It’s always good to see a penalty hit the back of the net and that gave us the cushion to relax a little bit.

“Obviously, the third goal was an even bigger help after that and, as I said, it was a good win for us.”