Everton are up for Fulham clash, says Phil Jagielka

Nov 2 2012 by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo

PHIL JAGIELKA is expected to continue his record of having played every minute of every league game for Everton this season when the Blues travel to west London to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

He says he feels “as fit as ever” following the frustrations of last season, when a knee injury cost him his place in David Moyes' starting line-up. He missed the FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Wembley as a result.

Now, though, he has re-established himself as one of Moyes' indispensables. And his focus now is on helping his side maintain their push for a top-six finish this season.

“We are desperate to get back to winning ways, and get creeping back up that league,” he says.

“We didn't win at Fulham for years and years, but we've gone down there the last couple of seasons and picked up a result, be it a draw or win.

“They've started off really well. Martin Jol is a really good manager, and he is proving now what a good coach he is.

“It's his team now. He's got quite a few players in over the last year or so, and he has made some fantastic signings. Obviously Dimitar Berbatov has hit the ground running, especially at home, so we are fully aware of how hard it is going to be come Saturday. But we are up for it, and very confident, as we always are.”