Jack Rodwell is convinced Everton can finish in the Europa League places again this season.

Rodwell now believes they must use their defeat of Manchester United, and other recent victories against the top sides, as an incentive to finish the season strongly.

"Just to get on against United was great but to score and beat them was the icing on the cake," he said. "We've beaten Manchester City, Chelsea and now Manchester United.

"We've had some great results at home and the confidence is brilliant.

"We need to beat the other sides like Aston Villa and Bolton to push for Europe. Who knows where we can finish?"

Rodwell also suggested the return from injury of playmaker Mikel Arteta would make a difference to the remainder of Everton's season.

The Spaniard was sidelined for almost a year after rupturing knee ligaments but has started the last three matches - which have been victories over Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and United.

With last season's player of the year Phil Jagielka also yet to come back from a knee operation, Rodwell believes the Toffees can put in a strong finish.

"Mikel was amazing against United and he's been out for a year. Who knows where we'd have been with him?"

"Jagielka hasn't played and he was our best player last season. The future really is bright for Everton at the moment," he told the Liverpool Echo.