Willie Kirk insisted Everton’s extra-time FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Sunday “will inspire us to greater things” as he vowed to take the Blues back to Wembley Stadium to contest a major final.

The clash at the national stadium finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Valerie Gauvin’s second-half header levelling the scores after Sam Mewis’ opener for City.

The Blues had opportunities to go in front – Gauvin seeing another headed effort go inches wide – but it was City who were to lift the trophy as substitutes Georgia Stanway and Janine Beckie struck deep into extra-time to secure a 3-1 victory.

Kirk hailed the “immense effort” his players displayed as they stood toe-to-toe with elite opposition in City – and is confident his team’s performance at Wembley points to a bright future for Everton.

“I’m so, so proud of the players and staff, and the Club,” he told evertontv.

“The preparations we’ve had for this match have been absolutely bang on.

“The two or three days we’ve had together has been a fantastic experience. And the experience of the defeat as well will inspire us.

“This feeling has to inspire us to come back and do greater things.

“And we’ll be back here [at Wembley]. I guarantee you, we’ll be back here.

“The resilience the team showed was superb. They stayed in the game and right up until one minute to go in extra time, we had opportunities to equalise.

“It’s a proud moment as a manager. It’s obviously gutting at the same time, but I think the pride, without doubt, is a lot greater than the disappointment of losing.”

Everton’s ferocious work-rate and competitive spirit was evident throughout the 120 minutes at Wembley.

And, as well as showcasing their defensive resilience to keep an exceptional City attack at bay for large periods, the Blues' offensive dynamism was also displayed as they carved out numerous opportunities.

Kirk believes it is a performance that should make every Evertonian proud.

He added: “We certainly created chances throughout the game, we had chances at 1-1. We could have won the game.

“In extra time, they probably got on top of us a little bit but I don’t think any Evertonian tonight will be disappointed with the bravery and endeavour of the players.

“The fans can be proud of the players on the pitch, and the Club can be proud of how the players applied themselves on the pitch.

“The Club is giving us a lot in terms of investment and support and allowing us to grow.

“We want to give them something back. We would have loved to have given them a trophy, but we have certainly given them everything else but the trophy.”

Everton goalkeeper Sandy MacIver won the player of the match award, having made a series of stunning saves to keep out Mewis, Chloe Kelly and Steph Houghton at Wembley.

“Sandy MacIver is England number one in my eyes,” Kirk said.

“She was exceptional.

“That’s why I brought her here. As soon as I got the job, I wanted to bring her here.

“And every time I mention Sandy, I must mention our other senior goalkeeper Tinny Korpela, because I think her daily standards are pushing Sandy.

“I think Sandy is ahead of the curve in terms of her development, and that’s because of Tinny.”