“We showed great character to come back from the Liverpool game, because we didn’t play our best and it wasn’t our day. We knew it was important to bounce back against top-class opponents, but we have showed what self belief we have.”

Saha had netted just once in his previous eight games before Wednesday night, when he responded to the challenge of manager David Moyes to rediscover his best goalscoring form.

And he added: “I haven’t set myself a target of goals this season – just more than I’ve got at the moment! The main thing for me is to stay at this level now. That’s my only goal.

“I want to show it to every opponent that I am serious. I want to work hard. I want to do well. I’m really enjoying my football.”

A date has now been set for Everton’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final clash with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Everton won 3-0 at Preston in the fifth round to reach the last eight of the competition for the first time in eight years.

They will now take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Monday, March 1 (kick-off 7pm).

EVERTON Ladies lost 3-1 to Leeds Carnegie in the FA Women's Premier League Cup final at Rochdale FC’s Spotland ground.

Fara Williams scored for Everton but two from Ellen White and one from Katie Holtham gave Leeds the cup.