LEIGHTON BAINES insists Everton can cope with the departure of Steven Pienaar ahead of today’s clash with lowly West Ham at Goodison Park.

The South African joined Tottenham in a £3million deal this week after snubbing the offer of a new contract from Everton.

Baines struck up a successful partnership down the left flank with Pienaar and was disappointed to see him go.

However, the 25-year-old says there is enough quality in David Moyes’ squad to ensure Everton flourish without the midfielder.

"It is a shame Steven has left the club because he has been a big player for us and all the lads liked him," Baines said.

"But that is football – players leave and clubs move on. It doesn’t matter who the player is, you have seen it with clubs like Manchester United losing people like Ronaldo, but the club is most important and will always move on.

"Hopefully someone here will step in and use this as their chance.

"Yes, I enjoyed a good relationship with Steven but it is not like I will now be playing with someone I don’t know.

"We have a few options there. Victor (Anichebe) has played well there and did well in that position in the second half against Liverpool, while I have felt comfortable playing with Bily (Diniyar Bilyaletdinov) when he has been involved recently. I am sure he will look at this as a chance to come in and play regularly."