David Moyes has insisted he would love Everton to qualify for Europe, while he has played down talk of a move for George John.
Everton boss plays down talk of move for defender John
David Moyes has insisted he would love Everton to qualify for Europe despite the hectic fixture list it entails, while he has played down talk of a move for FC Dallas defender George John.
The Toffees were last involved in continental competition when they were knocked out of the Europa League at the round of 32 stage by Sporting Lisbon in February 2010.
Moyes knows how difficult it can be to compete on so many fronts but remains determined to finish as high as possible in the Premier League and hopefully clinch a qualification spot.
"It can be tough, but I'd take it today if you gave it to me," Moyes said ahead of Everton's game on Sunday against Fulham, whose season got under way in June due to their Europa League commitments.
"I'd love it to be us when we are talking about playing Thursday and then Sunday, because here at Everton we need European football.
"We want it, and it is something I think we would desperately love to get back.
"We have not been in it for the last couple of years now. Yes, it was awkward and makes things difficult and your job a bit harder, but I would rather have it than not have it."
Everton are currently 15th in the standings after a run of three straight defeats and may need to strengthen their squad to challenge for a European spot.
FC Dallas defender John is one player to have been linked with a move to Goodison Park but Moyes says there is no truth in the rumours.
Asked about John, Moyes said: "I don't know where that is coming from.
"We are always looking at players and to see if we can improve the squad, but it would be extremely wide of the mark to say that was a player we were looking at at the moment."
Olympics debate
Meanwhile, Moyes has voiced his concerns about players taking part in the Great Britain team at next summer's London Olympics.
Toffees midfielder Jack Rodwell has indicated that he would relish the opportunity to be involved, but Moyes said: "I think it will be difficult because of the length of the season they have to play here.
"Players will have to come back a lot earlier from their holidays to prepare for it.
"It would be difficult with boys who have had a full season and then maybe gone to the European Championship, to ask them to come back and get ready for the Olympics as well.
"I don't think it will be straightforward. I think there will be players who will do it, but also that there will be others who don't."
Stuart Pearce, this week confirmed as head coach of the GB men's team, has expressed his hope that he will be able to select players from all the Home Nations, but the chances of that being the case remain unclear and it is something else Moyes envisages there being difficulties with.
"I think it could be problem," Moyes said.
"I think before any of the other Home Nations go into it they would need to be given assurances that it wouldn't affect their own rights in any other competition, or in how Fifa would see them."
