Toffees will be fearless

Forward Steven Naismith believes Everton have no reason to fear Arsenal, as the Toffees have proved this season they are a match for the big teams.

Roberto Martinez’s side head to the Emirates Stadium for an FA Cup quarter-final today which could have a major bearing on the remainder of their season. Having dropped nine points off the pace — discounting fourth-placed Manchester City’s two matches in hand — in the race for Champions League football, the FA Cup represents their best chance of success, even if European football remains a possibility.

Having gone to the Emirates in December and earned a creditable 1-1 draw, Naismith thinks the trip south can be made with confidence, even if their away record in terms of results against their rivals is mixed.

Everton suffered their first league defeat at Manchester City in October and have lost at Anfield and, less deservedly, at Tottenham but did register an historic victory at Manchester United four days before their draw at the Emirates.

“You need to beat the big teams to get to finals and win trophies,” said Scottish international Naismith.

“It is probably not ideal for the manager that everyone has been away with internationals but it is the same for everyone. We need to come back refreshed and ready and put on a performance like we have done not only at Arsenal before but at a lot of the big teams in away games.”

Arsenal had an unexpected defeat at Stoke last weekend which dealt a blow to their title hopes, but Martinez does not think that will have much bearing on today’s encounter.

“There is never a good or bad time to face a top team. We admire Arsenal immensely,” the Spaniard said. “They had a disappointing result at the weekend but that does not change anything..”

Meanwhile, Shane Duffy will get a chance to impress Martin O’Neill when the Ireland boss watches the Everton loanee in action for Yeovil against Sheffield Wednesday today.