Stubbs Eyes Strong Finish

Under-21s tasked with making late run for top three finish.

Alan Stubbs has called on his young charges to finish their pre-Christmas schedule with a flourish.
 
After a slow start to the new Under-21 league campaign, the Blues have now found their feet and defeated West Brom 2-1 last weekend.
 
On Monday they welcome Blackburn to Finch Farm for the first of three home games in their final four fixtures.
 
Stubbs' side are currently three points off third place, a position which would see them take on other Elite Group sides later in the season.
 
The reserve team boss told evertonfc.com: "We've got a chance to finish the season well and if they do finish it in the way we're hoping then we may just have an outside chance of finishing in one of the Elite Group positions.
 
"We're focusing on having a really strong finish now and that's what we'll be working on over the coming weeks.
 
"I don't really like to set them too many targets. We're just going with the usual saying of taking each game as it comes.
 
"But I think the players know our position in the league and what is needed to finish in one of those upper positions and if we win our home games I don't think we'll be too far away."

Hitzlsperger has been nossting his match fitness with the Under-21s
Stubbs could again have Thomas Hitzlsperger in his side as the German continues to build his match fitness.
 
The experienced midfielder isn't the only one who benefits from playing alongside Everton's youngsters, though.
 
"The more games the better and the more days he's training, the better," explained Stubbs.
 
"He's a great pro, he looks after himself, has a fantastic attitude, does things right and he's a great example for some of the younger players to look at and learn off when he's playing in the team.
 
"He probably passes on quite a lot of experience without really knowing it. It's good from my point of view, he's a big plus when he plays for us and anyone who plays alongside him should feel exactly the same.
 
"Hopefully he can keep playing well, training well and force his way into the first team."
 
Monday's game is behind-closed-doors and kicks off at 1pm. Follow @Everton on Twitter for live updates.