Source: Team_Talk
Bilyaletdinov sets sights on top four
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov expects Everton to challenge for a Champions League position next season following a fine finish to the 2009/10 campaign.[LNB] The Toffees ended the season in superb form after losing just two of their last 24 Premier League games.[LNB]After a dismal start to the campaign, that was still only good enough for eighth position but hopes are high looking ahead.[LNB]Midfielder Bilyaletdinov, who struck a superb last-gasp winner against Portsmouth on Sunday, said: "After two weeks' holiday I need to train. It [next season] is coming very fast.[LNB]"We are going to Australia (for pre-season) and we need to work hard.[LNB]"When we come back we need to have a good start. We must come back and maybe top four - it should happen."[LNB]Bilyaletdinov has enjoyed a promising first season in England after his move from Lokomotiv Moscow last summer.[LNB]The highlight for the 25-year-old was a superb goal in February's 3-1 win over Manchester United - a strike that earned him the club's goal of the season award last week.[LNB]That effort, however, was eclipsed by his stunning 30-yard curler against Pompey, which snatched a dramatic 1-0 win four minutes into injury time at Goodison Park.[LNB]Bilyaletdinov said: "People tell me this one was better.[LNB]"The goal against Manchester was special - at home, Goodison Park, and we won the game 3-1.[LNB]"I think that was more important but this was more beautiful.[LNB]"It was just a small second, you don't mean you aim to score in the top corner, you just want to shoot on target.[LNB]"But it was great for me that it went in the top corner."[LNB]After arriving at Everton straight from the Russian season last year, Bilyaletdinov has not enjoyed an extended break for some time.[LNB]He intends to make the most of his summer recess this year, but stresses it will be brief.[LNB]He added: "I need a rest but will go into next season with big feelings I can do more.[LNB]"This was a very long season for me, one and a half years.[LNB]"I now have two weeks off but I need to do some tasks.[LNB]"I need to progress here. I want to work hard and play here."[LNB]Everton boss David Moyes also hopes to be competing for a place in the top four next season.[LNB]His side's strong run-in took them to 61 points - just two short of the 63 they claimed in finishing fifth last season - and the Scot sees enormous potential.[LNB]Moyes said: "I think we have tried to improve but it shows you how far we have come that we are all pretty disappointed finishing eighth.[LNB]"That is a good thing - the players feel as if we have not achieved what we should have done.[LNB]"A lot of people have said finishing eighth was maybe about right with what we have, but I think what you have seen would make you think we should have been farther up.[LNB]"I can't wait for a break but there is part of me saying I want to keep this going.[LNB]"We are only two points worse off than last year and we had a long period through injuries.[LNB]"We have not been that far away. We have been relatively consistent but it is disappointing we are finishing eighth."[LNB]Moyes will now turn his attention to fine-tuning his squad for the next campaign.[LNB]Bringing in a new striker is among his priorities but he has constantly said he does not expect major signings.[LNB]Increasing the size of his squad is important, as is agreeing new contracts with a number of key players.[LNB]Chief executive Robert Elstone has confirmed the club are close to agreeing a new four-year deal with Tim Cahill while discussions with Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell are ongoing.
