Jagielka ecstatic to secure European spot for Toffees

Everton skipper Phil Jagielka is delighted at the prospect of giving Blues fans “special European nights” as the club make a return to the continental stage.

The Toffees are now guaranteed to finish at least seventh this season and the 34-year-old hopes European qualification is reward for the fans’ support this campaign.

The England international said: “Good friends of mine are massive Evertonians and they are absolutely delighted.

Picture caption: Getty Images

“Obviously, they get both sides of the enjoyment because they go to watch football in a foreign country and enjoy the culture, shall we say, as well.

“That’s part and parcel of us giving them something back. It’s an expensive hobby to come and watch your team these days and if we can give the fans a couple of special nights, that’s great.

“European nights, for whatever reason, have an extra special meaning, especially when you get further on in the competition which we will be looking to do next season.”

Everton’s 3-0 defeat to title-chasing Chelsea was their first in 2017 at Goodison Park but the Blues captain is still optimistic about the season so far.

He said: “We’re trying to look at it as a positive.

“We’ve secured at least seventh and European football. We would like to be higher and we would like to have got further in the cups and those are the things we will be looking to build on next season.”