Manuel Fernandes is desperate to impress in the last few games of the season. The Portuguese midfielder started the game against Derby on Sunday and created the only goal of the game for Leon Osman. But afterwards he conceded that things haven’t gone as well as he’d hoped during his second spell with Everton.

He said: “It’s been a little bit disappointing for me. Things are starting to get better but when you get injured it’s always a blow. I’m just trying to get past that and help in the five games ahead. The injury has been related to both my groin and the previous surgery I’ve had for a hernia.

“Now things are settling down so I feel much better. Nothing has been said on my own future,” he explained.

“I’m just going to play these five games and try to do my best, try to help the team and try to produce better performances as soon as possible. We don’t have too many people to play in midfield at the moment so it’s probably going to be a chance for me.”