Baines targets top-four finish
September 16, 2012 11:20:45 UK
Everton's England left-back Leighton Baines has called on the Toffees to use Monday's opponents Newcastle United as inspiration for the rest of the season.
It's not beyond us to challenge for the top four.
Leighton Baines
The Toffees have started the new Premier League campaign with two wins out of three and Baines is hoping his side can replicate the fine season enjoyed by the Magpies last term, when Alan Pardew's finished in fifth place.
Ahead of a testing clash at Goodison Park on Monday evening, Baines said: "It's not beyond us to challenge for the top four.
"We've got to have that belief, but there's a lot of work to do. We can use teams like Newcastle as inspiration and Spurs did it a couple of seasons ago.
"We look at those sides and realise it isn't beyond us, especially if we can start well, because we tend to finish the season stronger."
The Toffees will be without midfielder Darron Gibson for the visit of Newcastle, with the Irishman ruled out for around a month due to a thigh problem.
The Magpies, meanwhile, have a number of problems to contend with, with goalkeeper Tim Krul missing out with an elbow injury, while defender Fabricio Coloccini is a major doubt due to a hamstring strain.
Midfield powerhouse Cheick Tiote is also absent with a calf problem, with Newcastle 6.00 to win the game, while the draw is 4.20 and Everton are 1.53 to come out on top.
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