Everton defender Joleon Lescott believes the Toffees face a difficult European game in the Ukraine on Thursday.
Lescott hopes current fine form can continue
Everton defender Joleon Lescott believes the Toffees face a difficult European game on Thursday after failing to give their opponents the respect they deserved in the opening match.
Ukrainian team Metalist Kharkiv drew 1-1 at Goodison Park in the first leg of the Uefa Cup first round tie, leaving David Moyes' men facing an uphill task in the return game.
A lucrative place in the group stages is at stake for the victors so Lescott believes Everton need to raise their game on Thursday, despite two 2-0 victories in the past week.
Lescott said: "I think we didn't show them (Metalist) enough respect in the home leg and pushed a lot of men forward.
Difficult
"It will be a different game out there, we are going to have to sit back and look for the counter attack."
In an interview with everton TV, Lescott believes the team need to stay solid at the back.
He said: "We kept a clean sheet in midweek (against Sheffield Wednesday) and that provided a boost for Sunday (against Middlesbrough).
"But we rode our luck a bit and if we iron out a few mistakes hopefully we can continue.
"We have created a lot of chances in the last couple of games so if we can continue that into Thursday then who knows."
The defender, who has scored four goals himself this season, added: "It is always nice to get on the scoresheet.
"I think the ball is just falling to me in the right places at the minute. To score another one (on Sunday) was great.
Important
"It is important not just as individuals but as a unit. I think our defensive unit has scored a few goals this season so we will be looking to continue."
The fitness of Andrew Johnson and Leon Osman, who both have groin problems, is being monitored ahead of the match. The Everton party are due to fly out on Wednesday from Liverpool to Kharkiv.
