LEON OSMAN believes Everton can rediscover the spirit of 2004 and launch a surprise challenge for Champions League qualification this season.

Seven years ago, restricted transfer funds and a small squad meant David Moyes’s side began the campaign with few great expectations, only to secure their highest league finish of the last two decades by clinching fourth place.

Everton have experienced a similarly downbeat preparation for the new term with many anticipating a season of hard slog for the Goodison outfit.

But an upbeat Osman is confident the current squad is better than that which earned a crack at a Champions League group berth – and can possibly emulate such an achievement.

"There are certainly comparisons (to 2004-05)," said the 30-year-old. "The feel of things and the way people have spoken about us because we haven’t brought anybody in this summer is the same.

"But our squad is better than it was back then, when we managed to finish fourth.

"The level of quality in the Premier League has gone up in that time. The intensity of every game will make (repeating that) more difficult but we are quietly confident in ourselves and we hope we can pull off something similar."

Of the current Everton squad, Osman added: "The group of players that we have got here now are probably one of the best we have had at this club in my time here.

"Certainly the last two or three years has been the best. It is now about finding balance and a way of play that will start us off.

"We have shown in the last few seasons that when we get into our stride, we are a match for anybody.

"It is all about getting into our stride as early as possible. We are certainly positive about things. There is no point us being negative and saying the squad isn’t as good as it was.

"There is no point in saying that it’s not fair (that we haven’t signed new players) or speaking like that in any way.

"We have got to look at ourselves and remember that we are a good squad of players who are capable of doing really well. It is for us to go out there and do it."

The postponement of today’s scheduled opener at Tottenham Hotspur means Everton will begin their campaign at home to Queens Park Rangers next Saturday.

Growing disquiet among a section of support has bubbled to the surface in recent weeks but Osman believes the players cannot be distracted by any unrest.

"We have just got to get our heads down and crack on with the things we can affect – that is things on the pitch," said the midfielder.

"I can certainly not get sucked into the things that are going on."

Meanwhile, Everton’s young Portuguese striker Joao Silva has returned back to his homeland to join Vitoria Setubal on a season-long loan.

Everton's Carling Cup second round game at home to npower League One outfit Sheffield United will take place on Wednesday, August 24 at 8pm.