Everton signing Gareth Barry is confident of a big season alongside James McCarthy.
The pair formed a successful midfield partnership last season during Barry's time on-loan from Manchester City.
Barry, who has penned a three-year deal with the Blues, said: "James and I had a great season in terms of staying fit, playing a lot of games together and understanding each others' games on the back of a last-minute decision to be brought in here.
"I'm hopeful that a full pre-season with the team can improve myself, James as well and the whole team all together.
"Our main challenge at Everton this season is the expectation.
"Last season we produced some fantastic football and got some great results.
"As always, people will be expecting that again. It's up to us to do that and along the way we've got European football to focus on too.
"There are some tough tasks ahead but we've got to be prepared for that expectation."
