What The Papers Say - 2 April

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Multiple fan sites quote Jarrad Branthwaite after the defender discussed Everton’s identity and his goals for the future in royal blue with the Official Matchday Programme.

Anjishnu Roy of ToffeeWeb writes: “Jarrad Branthwaite isn’t shying away from the fact that the goal for the dressing room is to “get back into a European competition.”

“Heading into the final seven games of the season, the Toffees are firmly within reach of European spots. Following the 3-0 win over Chelsea at home, they find themselves three points off a potential Champions League spot.”

Branthwaite himself said: “We – as a collective – have made no secret that our goal this season is to get back into a European competition.

“It’s an ambitious one after some tough years but we all believe we have the quality to do so and the target is still there for us as we approach the final part of the season.”

He continued: “It’s right that we keep looking up now, and keep setting targets that move us forward as a club. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter heading into this season: a new home, our new owners, the manager beginning his first full season since returning.

“We want to keep making progress and, ultimately, deliver success. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve seen a lot in that time but it all feels genuinely positive right now. Long may it continue.”

Elsewhere, the Liverpool ECHO ponders whether an injury Vitalli Mykolenko sustained on international duty with Ukraine will effect his availability for the Toffees.

Connor O’Neil writes: “Vitaliy Mykolenko has handed Everton a fresh concern after picking up a knock while away on international duty. Mykolenko was a surprise omission from the Ukraine side that beat Albania 1-0 in a friendly on a Tuesday evening.

“However, following the game, Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov revealed that the left-back missed the victory after picking up an adductor injury.

“But Rebrov believes that Mykolenko, who is now scheduled to have five days off, should be back to full fitness by the time he returns to Everton.”

Rebrov said: “Unfortunately, he felt (something). He says that yesterday he went to the doctors, but I didn’t know anything about it. And when we were deciding with the main squad, he said that he was ready.

“Unfortunately, he got this injury, but as far as I can see now, he says that it’s not that serious, and he has five days off now. I’m sure that he will return to Everton in normal condition.”