Arteta targets European place

Spaniard insists Toffees will play on European stage

Last updated: 8th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Arteta targets European place

Arteta: Return to form

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Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta believes the Toffees will play in Europe next year, while boss David Moyes is tipping the Spaniard to play on an even bigger stage than that.

Arteta marked his return to form with two goals in Everton's 5-1 victory over Hull City in the Premier League on Sunday.

The goals were the 27-year-old's first since making his comeback in January, following a knee problem which ruled him out for 11 months.

Everton climbed to eighth in the table after their victory over the Tigers, reigniting their campaign for a place in Europe.

Terrific

The victory also marked the Merseyside outfit's return to winning ways, after last weekend's defeat at Tottenham and a disappointing Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon.

"I think we played some terrific football," said Arteta. "We wanted to get it back after both defeats last week and we got it back and scored a few, so we're delighted.

"We have to win every game at home now, you want a chance to get in Europe next year.

"We have 10 games to go and we are in the mix now."

Despite his impressive reputation, Arteta has never played for Spain and his recent injury setback is likely to have ruined his chances for this summer's World Cup.

Touching distance

Moyes, however, believes the playmaker is now within touching distance of playing on the international scene for his home country.

"If Mikel hadn't been injured last year he would certainly have been a consideration because he had been one of the better midfield players in the Premier League," Moyes said.

"But it gives you an indication how strong Spain are.

"Mikel will need to wait now until after this competition and then hope, if he can play well for Everton, he might have a chance of getting recognised for some of the European Championship games after that."