Tom Davies says Everton’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Wednesday night “keeps our momentum going” in the Blues’ fight for European qualification.

James Rodriguez’s sumptuous 30th-minute strike at Goodison Park was cancelled out by Youri Tielemans’ leveller midway through the second half.

The result means Everton remain seventh in the league table – the Blues are two points behind fourth-placed West Ham United and have two games in hand on the Hammers.

Next up for Carlo Ancelotti’s side – who have taken 16 points from the past 21 available in the Premier League – is a home clash with Newcastle United on Saturday (12.30pm GMT).

Davies says Everton will approach the game with confidence as they aim to close the gap on the division’s top teams.

“It was a tough game [against Leicester],” said Academy graduate Davies.

“I thought we put a good shift in and we’re a little disappointed in the end, because we had a few chances to win it. 

“But they are a very good team. 

“We take the point and we go again. It keeps the momentum going.

“We’ll watch the match back, of course, and go through it.

“We’ve got Newcastle at the weekend and we’ll be looking to take points in that game.”

Playmaker James gave Everton the advantage against Leicester in spectacular fashion – the Colombian ace curling a precision right-footed effort in off the post for his fourth Toffees goal.

Leicester, who came into the match on a five-game winning run, applied pressure in the second half and Belgian Tielemans struck on 67 minutes.

Everton came back strong in the game’s final stages with Dominic Calvert-Lewin going closest to netting a winner when his header from Lucas Digne’s cross went agonisingly wide.

Midfielder Davies explained how performing against a talented Foxes outfield represented a test of athleticism, concentration and tactical awareness.

“I think they had a lot of the ball but didn’t create any chances that really hurt us – I feel like we had that under control – and we could have nicked it,” he added.

“You’ve got to be physical. That’s what the game of football is like now. 

“On the whole, I think we could have been a little bit better with the ball and broke them down more.

“But we’ll go again on Saturday and keep fighting to get higher up in the league.”