Naismith sounds up for it......
Steven Naismith insists Everton will continue fighting for Champions League qualification until it is mathematically impossible.
Four points separate the Blues and Arsenal with two Premier League fixtures remaining.
Everton host Manchester City this Saturday before travelling to Hull on the final day of the season, whereas Arsene Wenger’s side entertain West Bromwich Albion on Sunday and then conclude their campaign against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Results this weekend could therefore see the Toffees remain in the top-four shake-up or completely out of the Champions League picture.
And Naismith says that even if the Blues fall just short in their quest, Europa League football - which will be achieved with the accumulation of one more point - would be a worthy reward for an excellent first season under Roberto Martinez.
The Scot told evertontv: “All we are concentrating on is securing European football.
“We would be so disappointed if we couldn’t finish in fifth. I think we have deserved it for the way we have played this season and the push we have had for fourth.
“It’s disappointing that [it seems] we have missed out on that [finishing fourth] because, although it’s not mathematically impossible, we slipped up against Crystal Palace and at the weekend.
“We will definitely be doing all we can but Arsenal have capitalised. We will fight to the end but the main thing is that we have got to finish fifth.”
As well as continuing their Champions League push, Naismith adds that Everton’s players want to thank the fans for their support this season by signing off from home duties in the best possible fashion on Saturday evening.
Goodison is again set to be rocking with all tickets sold for the 5.30pm kick-off.
Naismith continued: “The last home game is good for so many reasons, especially with the great season we have had and just to thank the fans for their help throughout.
“It’s coming to the end of a hard gruelling season and hopefully the sun will be shining on Saturday night and we can put on another good performance.
“There is a lot riding on it because we need points to secure fifth and Manchester City got a boost from the Liverpool-Chelsea result, which showed in their performance straight after [against Crystal Palace] when they started fast, got an early goal and pushed on from there.
“We know that’s what they are going to be like. They got a lot of confidence from last week and will be able to see the finishing line to win the Championship.
“We need to start well, control what we can, play the way we can and take our chances when they come along.”
