THE only thing Everton dropped this time was a hint about next season.

After an opening day error from goalkeeper Tim Howard got the campaign off on the wrong foot, Saturday’s comfortable victory in the return fixture with Blackburn Rovers helped continue their remarkable sprint finish.

Unbeaten in the Premier League since February 13, David Moyes’ men are top of the form table with four wins from their last six matches and moving towards the levels of performance they have long promised.

Supporters have been here before however after two defeats in 24 matches last season strongly suggested a return to the glory days was on the horizon.

Of course it failed to materialise in this most frustrating of seasons yet the faithful will continue to summon hope that Everton are now building early momentum for August.

The recent displays of Leon Osman will fuel such optimism and the forward is making a compelling case to lead such a charge next term.

Regardless of players returning from injury, should the 29-year-old maintain his current standards then he would be near impossible to not be the team’s focal point.

But he needs the burden shared by summer acquisitions, not that Osman has ever looked uncomfortable with shouldering the sole responsibility in another vibrant display during the weekend’s win.

Unfortunately the victory and Everton’s annual late gallop to the finish line appears too late for the race into Europe but goals from an effervescent Osman and the consistently impressive Leighton Baines fan the flames of hope that next season will deliver at Goodison Park.