Willie Kirk insists his players “know exactly what’s at stake” as the Blues prepare to face city rivals Liverpool in a Continental Cup clash at Walton Hall Park on Wednesday night (7pm).

The Everton manager says the Merseyside derby contest – which is being streamed live on our Official YouTube channel – represents an ideal opportunity to kick-start another positive series of results.

Everton started the season with five straight victories, a run of form which saw Kirk’s side go joint-top of the Women’s Super League and reach the 2020 FA Cup final.

After an exceptional effort in the Wembley showpiece against Manchester City, the Blues were edged out following extra time.

Everton were then beaten at WSL champions Chelsea before being held to a 1-1 draw by Reading at Walton Hall Park on Saturday.

“There are a number of reasons why we need to win against Liverpool,” said Kirk, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

“We need to win because we haven’t won in four matches. With where we’re at in our development as a squad, that isn’t good enough.

“We need to win because, if we don’t, we’re out of the Continental Cup.

“And we need to win because it’s a derby game. That’s important for the squad, the Club and the supporters. We’ve not been shy in sharing that with the players.

“They know exactly what’s at stake. We are confident about getting a result and putting in a performance.

“Derby days are special.

“When we beat Liverpool last year at Anfield, it was one of the highlights of my life.

“Not only did we win the derby, that was the day I found out I was going to be a father for the first time.

“The game itself was a great experience, with 23,500 fans at Anfield.

“That day was very special and always will be.”

Everton will face a Liverpool side relegated from the Women’s Super League last season.

Vicky Jepson’s team have kicked off the 2020/21 WSL Championship campaign in impressive fashion, however. They are third in the league table, just three points behind league leaders Durham.

Everton manager Kirk insists Liverpool boast a squad capable of competing in the women’s top-flight and is expecting a tough test on Wednesday night.

The Scot outlined where his side must improve from their recent outings.

“We started the season firing on all cylinders,” he explained. "We were taking our chances.

“Sometimes you just go through little periods where the ball’s not dropping for you or you’re missing chances at important times, when previously you were scoring.

“The ebb and flow of the game can change based on that.

“We’ve been working on areas like where we put in crosses, being quite specific with what cross is available and what runs have to be made.

“We’ve also been working on communicating with teammates to allow them to jump onto a press.

“I think we’ve been a little bit sloppy in possession in the past few games. We’ve missed opportunities to keep pressure on our opponents for a little bit longer.

“What we need to make sure is we don’t get uptight about it.

“One thing we’ve done is try to attack every minute of every game. Sometimes you need to take a little breather, recycle the ball and be controlled in possession.”

Everton goalkeeper Sandy MacIver has been named in a 29-player England squad for the Lionesses' upcoming 10-day training camp at St George's Park.

Kirk praised the 22-year-old’s progress, while admitting he was “a little bit surprised” midfielder Izzy Christiansen was not selected.

He also reiterated his belief in-form centre-back Meg Finnigan’s performances are worthy of international recognition.

“Sandy’s call-up is thoroughly deserved,” Kirk said.

“She’s been exceptional. She’s a huge talent.

"I think she can push to be England’s number one for a number of years.

"I think Izzy’s been excellent this season. I’m disappointed for her [not to be in the squad], and she will be disappointed, too.

"She’ll deal with that in the right way. It motivates her even more to do well in a blue jersey. Izzy will continue to focus on playing for us and, hopefully, the next squad announcement will be better news for her.

“I certainly think Meg Finnigan must be close to winning a call-up. I look at some of the young centre-backs in the squad and I don’t see a huge difference between them and Meg.

“I think Meg has improved incredibly over the past 12 months. This season she’s been excellent, in and out of possession.

“We gave her a clear development plan with areas to improve on and she’s certainly done that.”