Leighton Baines talks up "encouraging" season

Everton defender Leighton Baines has claimed that their fifth-place Premier League finish will help them push further for a Champions League place next term.

The Blues ultimately fell short of Arsenal, who took the last spot, but the England international thinks that Roberto Martinez's debut season at the helm was one that gives him hope for the future.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "It's been a really encouraging season with that highest points tally [in the Blues' Premier League history].

"It sets a good benchmark for next season."

The Blues beat Hull City 2-0 on Sunday.