Carsley holds out Toffees hope

Midfielder hoping to avoid summer cull

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 12th May 2008

Lee Carsley

Carsley: Keen to stay

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Lee Carsley is hoping that he will not be shown the door at Goodison Park this summer.

The tenacious midfielder has been with Everton since 2002, and despite now being 34 is adamant that he can still do a job for David Moyes' men.

He accepts that Everton's continued progress into a Premier League force will see the manager delve into the transfer market during the close-season, and that may result in him losing his place.

However, he feels that he is still capable of performing at the highest level and would like nothing more than being part of a side which brings some long-awaited silverware to the club.

Success

"I'm hoping to be here again next season, I will speak to the gaffer in a week or so," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"He may want to bring in three or four midfielders, that is the key. Not one player is more important than the team and if I went, someone else would come in and do just as good.

"Leaving Everton is not a decision I would make lightly. I have loved it here and I think the fans have loved having me here.

"I have also been successful here, which helps. Out of the seven seasons I have been here, four times we have been in the top seven.

"That has a big bearing on what happens to me now in the summer.

Glamorous

"We have finished one place better than the previous season, and that is tough in such a competitive league. But, next season, we will want fourth, have no doubts about that.

"Our next stage is to be parading around our pitch with a trophy. We put a lot of effort into the Carling Cup and Europe this term and we almost achieved something.

"We have finished fifth and we haven't got a medal. We have just assured ourselves of European football next season, we want more.

"The gaffer keeps saying that I have got better season on season. But he has brought in better players and I have a role in the team that is not complicated.

"My team-mates appreciate what I do for the team. It is not the most glamorous role but it is an important one that I enjoy."