Could Toffees make a European return?

Could Everton finish in the top eight and secure a European place?

Following their win at Newcastle's St James' Park on Saturday, the Toffees have moved up to eighth with 40 points and are in the thick of the battle for a return to European competition

The Observer's Rory Smith believes it is still too close to call, but as we get into the business-end of the season they have every chance if they keep their form going.

"Everton fans would see Europe this season as a massive overperformance," said Smith on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "David Moyes deserves a huge amount of credit this season for keeping them in the mix of it, given their squad didn't have the investment in the summer like most do and the glaring holes they have.

"Jarrad Branthwaite is probably their best player and has barely played this season, for example. They have plenty of good players but Branthwaite is outstanding.

"From fifth to 14th in the Premier League is still in play so it will come down to who is on a good run of form when the music [games] stops."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds.