Baines Excited By Arrivals

Full-back hails trio of signings ahead of Villa clash.

Leighton Baines admits he has been left excited by Everton's summer arrivals and believes David Moyes' astute work in the transfer market can elevate the side to new heights.

The Blues have added attack-minded assets in Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas, while Moyes' biggest coup was arguably securing the return of midfield creator Steven Pienaar.

Baines says the new additions have sparked a tangible sense of belief within the walls of Finch Farm and the left-back feels the existing squad is one to be feared.

"I'm excited because they are three really good players," Baines told evertontv. "We know a lot about Steven [Pienaar] and how important he's been to us and I think he was the main one; it was so important for us to get him back.

"But obviously bringing in Naisy and Kevin as well, both offensive players, both players who are definitely going to add to what we've already got and improve us, I feel like we're starting to possibly take it up a notch now.

"I think if we can keep this group of players together - I don't know if the manager is planning to add to it or not - but with the group we've got, if we can keep everyone fit, we're really strong and a match for anyone."

A starting line-up of familiar faces got the Blues off to the perfect start against Manchester United on Monday night and Baines is hopeful a similar performance can end a seven-year wait for a win at Aston Villa this weekend.

Naismith could be in line for a first start after coming off the bench for his debut against the Red Devils, while Mirallas is set for his Everton bow.

"We put a lot of importance on getting off to a good start," said Baines. "It's only one game but it's a step in the right direction and to do it against a side like Manchester United is an added bonus and hopefully we can build on it.

"We tend to be at our best when we play against those sides, especially at home, so I think there was a bit of that.

"I think the tougher games do tend to help us. Over the last few years at Villa we've tended to play quite well - I remember us losing there having totally dominated the game - and I've tended to enjoy the games there.

"I think there are similarities to Goodison and I quite like playing there. You always get a tough game.

"But we've got such a strong squad now that's it's coming to the point where we feel that we can probably go anywhere and get a result when we're at our best."