KEVIN MIRALLAS believes Everton are ready for the Champions League – but they must prove it by beating Arsenal on their home turf for the first time in 17 years tomorrow.

The Belgian forward has already played at the Emirates in that competition for his former club Olympiacos, when the Greek side were defeated 2-1 in September 2011.

Mirallas, 25, knows the odds are stacked against him having a triumphant return with the Toffees – who have gone without a win against Arsenal in North London since 1996 – but insists the time is right to consign that dismal run to the history books, and strike a decisive blow in their potential race with the Gunners for a top four finish.

He said: “There’s always a first time for everything. Let’s hope it’s Tuesday. Everton could do well in the Champions League but there are some big games between now and the end of the season which we have to win in order to get there.

“You don’t really know how you’d do until you were in it and the competition started, but it’s a fantastic competition and I think we’re ready for it.

“I’ve played at the Emirates for Olympiacos and I hope we can get the three points we need down there tomorrow. It will be vital in order to get European qualification and make it a beautiful end to the season.”

Saturday’s crucial 2-0 win over QPR was Mirallas’ seventh consecutive start for the Blues, after previously being plagued by hamstring problems which marred the middle of his debut Premier League campaign.

The forward was on form again during the win over Harry Redknapp’s men, after being labelled as Everton’s answer to Gareth Bale by David Moyes the previous weekend.

“It’s a nice compliment for me to hear a comparison with such a fantastic player as Gareth Bale,” he said. “In spite of my injuries I am pleased I’ve been able to achieve one or two good things this season on the field.

“But certainly with the proper preparation and an injury free pre-season, which I didn’t get this season, it would really help and augur well for the following season.

“I think you can see I am feeling a lot better in myself when you see me play. Feeling physically fit helps a lot. Getting games under your belt and playing regularly helps your confidence as well. When you do feel strong and avoid injuries that helps your game.”