KEVIN MIRALLAS has played – and flourished – in the evocatively tagged “Derby of the Eternal Enemies,” the incendiary bi-annual clashes between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos.

He has also experienced the partisan fervour of the Derby du Rhone – the frenetic French showdowns between white collar Lyon and working class St Etienne.

So the 25-year-old clearly knows a thing or two about football stadium atmospheres – and he is revelling in the sensation of stepping out at Goodison Park on matchdays.

Mirallas was introduced to the Everton crowd on an explosive opening night of the season against Manchester United back in August.

Since then he has stepped out there against Newcastle, Southampton and Liverpool in the Premier League – and will be aiming to enjoy the experience again when Sunderland visit tomorrow.

“There’s always an electric atmosphere in the stadium and every match so far this season has been a sell-out and the fans have been right behind us,” he said.

“It really does bring a lot to us and help us.

“When we play at home we have that extra desire to grab the points and get a home victory.”

A home victory tomorrow against Martin O’Neill’s Premier League draw specialists is imperative to Everton’s hopes of maintaining a top four place.

The disappointment of dropping two points at Craven Cottage in the 90th minute last Saturday was tempered by Spurs’ unexpected home defeat by Wigan which saw Everton move back into the top four.

The Black Cats have drawn six of their nine Premier League outings, while Everton’s last four have all ended in stalemate.

Leaders Manchester United have actually lost more games than the Blues, but their ability to turn draws into wins sees them seven points ahead of Everton.

Mirallas said: “Fourth place is a nice place to be in at the moment. But because we’ve had four draws on the bounce, we could be even better placed.

“If we’d picked up a couple more victories in that run, which we probably deserved, we’d be even better placed.

“If we carry on the way we have been playing – and the manager is pleased with the style we’re showing – why can’t we grab one of those top four places?

“The aim is certainly to be as high up the table as we can possibly be.”

There is also an aim to maintain the attacking style which has won Everton admirers from most parts of the country this season.

Mirallas has certainly enjoyed the football he has been asked to play since he swapped life in the Greek Super League for the Premier League.

“I’m very happy with the style of the team here,” he added. “In the past I’ve generally played in sides who are very attack-minded. It’s down to the 11 players the manager puts out on the field on each occasion.

“With the squad we’ve got and the type of players we have here that lends itself to attacking football. The way in which we’ve started the season proves that.

“Everyone told me before I came here that it was a very different league – and a very fast league. I was told it can be difficult to settle into, but I seem to have settled quickly.

“That’s down to a lot of hard work on my part, but to a greater extent a lot of support from the manager and my team-mates.

“Marouane has helped obviously, but not just Marouane, all the French speaking players. In fact all the players and people at the club have played a role. They have helped me greatly from day one, not just on the field but with life off the field too. They have helped me with my private life and the English culture.”