'Looking Upwards'

Blackburn win can propel us forward, says Baines.

Leighton Baines hopes home comforts can help Everton bag three valuable points on Saturday.

David Moyes' men currently sit 11th in the Barclays Premier League standings, eight points and six places above visitors Blackburn Rovers.

And Baines says victory is vital if the Toffees are to start looking up as they prepare to mount a customary assault on the top half of the table.

"The results have just picked up for Blackburn recently and they've picked up a few more wins than they did in the early part of the season," he told evertontv. "But the league is so tight and everyone's within touching distance of each other, so it's important we win games like this - not only to make the gap between us and teams in positions like Blackburn bigger, but also to keep us in reach of the teams above us as well."

One sizable positive as far as Baines is concerned is the unavailability of former teammate Yakubu.

The Nigerian has notched 13 goals in 19 appearances since leaving Everton for Ewood Park last summer but will miss out on a return to sit out the first game of a three-match suspension.

"It probably helps us because he's been in the goals and we know he's capable of scoring goals when you get him playing like he is," said Baines. "They've got good players there and I'm sure they'll be able to bring someone else in to do the job. But a Yak on form can be a tough prospect at times."

Everton will be hoping to welcome back some key names from injury having coped without seven first-team players for last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

With centre backs Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka among those sidelined, youngster Shane Duffy was handed a first Premier League start and could feature again.

Baines has been impressed by the 20-year-old Irishman and says he has every faith in his ability to cut it at the top level.

"He came on against Spurs and did well and he didn't put a foot wrong in the Villa game either," he said. "He's a good defender and that's what he's all about. It's just about making sure he's a little bit looked after because he's still learning his trade.

"He's a bit of a leader though, that's in his nature. I'm sure as he starts to play more games he'll probably turn into a bit of a moaner. We'll probably have a new Stubbsy on our hands!"

The clash with Rovers could also bring about a home debut for new boy Darron Gibson.

Baines was impressed by the former Manchester United midfielder at Villa Park and expects him to become an important asset for the Toffees.  

"He looks a really good player," he said. "He did really well in the game even though he'd barely arrived and was put straight in. But that's the way things are for us at the moment - we need everyone who's available. You've got to give people a little bit of time to settle in but he looks like he's just ready to go. 

"He's an easy going lad and seems a normal lad as well - no big egos or anything like that. He just seems like he's going to fit in perfectly."