McCarthy targets unbeaten run to end of season

With nothing to play for in their remaining seven Premier League matches Everton's James McCarthy believes the motivation is to remain unbeaten until the end of the campaign.

The Toffees' 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, courtesy of captain Phil Jagielka's fifth goal of the season, to make it three successive wins, moving them to 11th in the table, with the relegation fears of a couple of weeks ago now a thing of the past.

"We want to kick on, go on a winning run and finish the season strongly," said the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

"The most important thing was to get three points and dig in deep to secure it with a clean sheet" - James McCarthy

"We have won three games and we want to go unbeaten until the end of the season, although that is easier said than done.

"There has been a big improvement. So far, so good, but we won't get carried away.

"The most important thing was to get three points and dig in deep to secure it with a clean sheet."

With leading scorer Romelu Lukaku not quite ready to return after a hamstring injury, the onus was on other players to step up, but few would have bet on defender Jagielka being the match winner against Saints.

"He is different class. He is brilliant to have at the club and is a true leader on the pitch," said McCarthy.

"A lot of people have been saying the last few weeks he has been exceptional, but for me he has been outstanding throughout the campaign and he is chipping in with goals."

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman conceded his side's Champions League hopes were now over, but was still keen to secure European football next season.

"European football for the club will be a great success if we reach it," he said.

"If we showed the ambition we showed (against Everton) then we will have a good chance."

Italy international Graziano Pelle has not scored in nine matches for his club - he did manage one against England in midweek - but Koeman still backs him.

"Pelle is struggling but that is football, it is normal. If I don't have confidence I don't pick him in the line-up," he added.

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