Heitinga: We'll Give Everything

Dutchman desperate to set up Merseyside meeting at Wembley.

John Heitinga says Everton’s players will give everything to set up a mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final meeting with Liverpool.

A Wembley showdown with Kenny Dalglish’s side is the prize on offer should the Blues overcome Sunderland in next Tuesday’s quarter-final replay at the Stadium of Light.

It would be the first time the two sides from the city of Liverpool have faced one another at the national stadium since the final of 1989.

Everton were held to a 1-1 draw by the Black Cats at Goodison Park on Saturday but Heitinga remains confident of a place in the final four.

“Of course we still believe we can go through,” the Dutchman told evertontv.  “We're still in the cup. Now we need to play 90 minutes over there and maybe extra time. But we will do everything to win over there and continue in the cup.

“It will be difficult. They play at home so they'll have the home crowd. But I'm sure the away end will be packed with Everton fans and they can make a lot of noise.”

It took an equalising header from Tim Cahill to ensure Everton’s place in the semi-final hat following Phil Bardsley’s 12th-minute opener.

Heitinga, however, believes a dominant Blues display was worthy of more.

“We’re disappointed because we played at home,” he said. “We conceded an early goal because we didn't start very well. But after that I think there was only one team who deserved to win.

“You come out of the dressing room with one thing in mind and that's to win the game. When you lose an early goal, you know you need to score an equaliser. We did that before half time and in the second half, we were the only team that played football. They were standing with 11 men in their own half.

“But in the end it was 1-1 and we have to be happy we’re still in the cup. Now we need to win over there.”

Thoughts of the Stadium of Light will need to be put aside temporarily with Arsenal set to visit Goodison Park on Wednesday and a tough-looking trip to Swansea also on the horizon.

“It’s busy but as a football player, you want to play games,” said Heitinga. “Arsenal is another big game and the focus is now on them.”

Tickets for Wednesday evening's Premier League game against Arsenal at Goodison Park are still available. They can be purchased by visiting the Box Office at the stadium, by calling 0871 663 1878 or clicking here.