Wednesday 16 December 2015 13:17, UK
Phil Jagielka has targeted a return to Everton's first team for after Christmas as he continues his recovery from injury.
The England international injured his medial ligaments during a 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates in October.
However, while visiting children at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, Jagielka told Sky Sports he will not be on the sidelines for too much longer.
"No one ever likes to be injured but it is part and parcel of football," said the 33-year-old. I am getting closer to getting back on the pitch and doing some proper training.
"It is all about trying to get back in the team, so I have still got a bit of time to go. But the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little bit brighter, so hopefully it won't be too long after Christmas when I am back."
Despite the absence of Jagielka and fellow England international Leighton Baines, Everton lie 10th in the Premier League table after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Norwich and have reached the Capital One Cup semi-finals.
"I am not the best of watchers," said Jagielka. "Thankfully, the boys have done quite well.
"We could have had a few more points. We have had some fantastic performances and maybe not got the result we deserved out of it.
"Things are still really positive. Obviously, we have got the Cup semi-finals, and there is plenty to look forward to in a busy December and January.
"The Premier League has been crazy this season. We are still in the mix and we know that back-to-back wins can take you up quite a few places. That is what we are looking for over the Christmas period."
Romelu Lukaku has impressed for Everton with 12 league goals scored so far this season, and has established a good rapport with former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu.
Jagielka said: "Gerrard [Deulofeu] and Rom [Lukaku] have been playing with a lot of confidence, setting up the goals and scoring the goals. It is nice to see.
"The rest of the team muck in, doing the hard work around them, and it's nice to see a lot of smiles on people's faces."
