Just a point is enough - Jagielka

Phil Jagielka celebrates his match winner against Reading in February

Everton's Phil Jagielka is confident that his side will finish fifth in the Premier League and qualify for next season's UEFA Cup.

The Blues need just one point from Sunday's home game against Newcastle to ensure a second successive season in European competition.

Jagielka told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'd rather need a point than all three. But it is awkward.

"If you're drawing with five minutes to go, do you go for the extra goal?"

Aston Villa's 2-0 home defeat to Wigan on Saturday now sees Everton as favourites in the two-horse race for the final available UEFA Cup place.

I knew it was going to be a hard job to come here and break into a good team Phil Jagielka

Jagielka has now made 48 appearances for Everton this season following his £4million move from Sheffield United last summer.

After initially struggling for games (10 of those appearances were as an early season sub), in recent months he has been preferred at centre-half by Everton manager David Moyes.

"I've got my feet firmly on the ground," he said following Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal. "I knew it was going to be a hard job to come here and break into a good team.

"Thankfully after the first couple of months that has happened and the results have taken care of themselves."