Republic of Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley is hoping to remain at Everton but fully expects a fresh challenge from incoming players to put his place under pressure.

The 34-year-old has just finished his seventh season at Goodison Park but is not ready to quit yet, maintaining today that he remains a key member of the squad with an "important" if not "glamorous" role.

The defensive midfielder enjoys the part he plays, however, and sees a bright future for the Toffees under the guidance of David Moyes after a fifth place finish in the Premier League.

"I'm hoping to be here again next season, I will speak to the gaffer in a week or so," said Carsley today. "He may want to bring in three or four midfielders, that is the key. Not one player is more important than the team and if I went, someone else would come in and do just as good.

"Leaving Everton is not a decision I would make lightly. I have loved it here and I think the fans have loved having me here.

"I have also been successful here, which helps. Out of the seven seasons I have been here, four times we have been in the top seven.

"The gaffer keeps saying that I have got better season on season. But he has brought in better players and I have a role in the team that is not complicated.

"My team mates appreciate what I do for the team. It is not the most glamorous role but it is an important one that I enjoy."

Having secured a spot in the Uefa Cup again the focus now is to build on what the have achieved this season.

"We have finished one place better than the previous season, and that is tough in such a competitive league. But, next season, we will want fourth, have no doubts about that.

"We put a lot of effort into the Carling Cup and Europe this term and we almost achieved something," added Carsley. "We have finished fifth and we haven't got a medal. We have just assured ourselves of European football next season, we want more."

Moyes, he insists, is still the man to bring trophies to the blue half of Liverpool.

"When I think about the expectation levels when I first joined this club, the gaffer has changed that completely.

"We are now seen as a top-six club. And he is not going to be happy until we are seen as a top-four club.

"As many players as possible should get into his slipstream because the gaffer is going places. He is a fantastic, top manager."