“It’s totally different than the Premiership. The pace of the game is really slow, it’s more of a dogfight – about who has the hardest punch, who is smarter.

“It is important for me to be part of a team that has a lot of hunger, desire to win trophies, and of course to be part of the history of Everton. I think we have got a good chance if we go through.”

Like Pienaar, Tim Cahill is another Everton player preparing for Tuesday’s last 32 stage game, with this summer’s World Cup in the back of his mind.

But for now the 30-year-old Aussie is keeping all his focus to making it past the Portuguese, who boast former Everton target Joao Moutinho in their ranks.

He said: “I’m just excited. When you draw Sporting, you are in with the best teams in the world. I wanted to learn as much as I could about their team, their stadium and the attendance they get.

“We’ve got a great chance because of the form we’re starting to show. But Europe is different. Because we haven’t been in too many European competitions, it’s something the fans live for – taking the club to the next level, not only on the pitch but off it.

“Them travelling and having special away days, it’s a reward for them, and they respond by supporting their team and being the 12th man. I tell you, you can’t hear anything, and when that ball goes in the net it’s an explosion of fireworks. It shakes through you.”

“I’m very blessed to play for such a great football club, and I always say you have to run through brick walls, regardless of knocks and injuries. We have that mental attitude.”