Everton defender Phil Jagielka is determined to savour European football again next season after enjoying his first experience of the UEFA Cup.There is still a chance the Toffees could make the Champions League instead of the second-tier competition, which they were knocked out of on penalties by Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Everton aim to keep the pressure on Liverpool for fourth spot when they face Fulham on Sunday and manager David Moyes believes he will have no difficulty lifting the players even after their heartbreaking exit to the Italians.

It was cruel luck on Everton given it was arguably their best performance of the season.

While Jagielka was particularly disappointed as his spot-kick was saved, he intends to push on in the remainder of the campaign.

"I am a little bit gutted at missing the penalty but I will come back with my head held high," he told evertonTV.

"The boys have had a little taste of Europe and I'm sure if we get in the UEFA Cup or the Champions League we will go one step further than this year.

"We will pick ourselves up now as we have a massive game on Sunday and hopefully we can consolidate our push for a European place next season."

Meanwhile striker James Vaughan has had a successful knee operation after visiting specialist Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado.

Head physio Mick Rathbone said: "It was a straightforward procedure concerning the cartilage.

"It went well and it was also noted that the knee was in good condition. He will be back playing soon."

Vaughan endured an extended spell on the sidelines between 2005 and 2006 because of a knee injury that required major surgery but this latest setback is understood to be far less serious.

More Football News from TEAMtalk