Phil Jagielka refuses to give up top-four hope

Everton defender Phil Jagielka is refusing to give up hope of his side qualifying for the Champions League next season.

The Toffees beat Stoke City 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, which leaves them four points behind Chelsea in fourth place with eight games still to play this season.

Jagielka told reporters: "We'd like to think we can prolong the chase as long as possible.

"If we're going into the final game of the season still in with a chance of Champions League football, then we have to look at that as a fantastic season.

"It seems like Spurs have played well again and won, Arsenal have so everyone seems to be desperate for that fourth spot and we're desperate to be in there as long as possible."

The defender has made 34 appearances for Everton in all competitions this season.