Steven Pienaar thinks Everton have a good chance of playing European football next season, but admits they might have to use the 'back door' to guarantee it.

Everton are currently in 6th place in the League after their 3-1 win against Reading this weekend and are hoping to secure European football. They are aiming for a top four finish in order to qualify for Champions League, but they could also achieve Europa League football via the League or the FA Cup.

The South African, who scored in Saturday's game, thinks that Everton have a good chance:

"Sometimes you have to go through the back door, so there is a little less pressure on us now.

"We will see how the other teams do and hopefully we can sneak in.

"I think it is fairly good to play in European competitions. After the Premier League there are only two bigger cups - the Europa League and the Champions League.

"All the players want to play in it and it is important for the club to get European football. We will just see. The cup is the shortest route to European football.

"Next week we are also at Goodison so hopefully this can be the place that gives us the passport to European football."(The Daily Mail)

Everton haven't played European football since 09/10 season and they will hoping to bring that back to Goodison Park at the end of the season. Pienaar thinks the fans will love it despite the travel not appealing to him:

"I think it is important for the supporters as well - they enjoy going away. I'd  rather stay at home with the family!"

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