Everton midfielder James McCarthy believes the lure of Champions League qualification will only harden their resolve to succeed in the last six weeks of the season.

Five consecutive league victories have set up a tantalising clash at home to Arsenal which, if they win, would take Everton within a point of the fourth-placed Gunners with a match in hand at home to Crystal Palace.

While a top-four finish is far from assured McCarthy admits the incentive could not be more evident for players now as they look to avenge their FA Cup quarter-final exit last month.

"Arsenal at home is going to be a big one," the Republic of Ireland international told evertontv.

“I’m sure the fans will come out in their numbers, hopefully we can put things right from last time we played them and push for that Champions League spot.

“They put us out of the cup and it is never nice to get beat. It’s going to be a big ask but we will give it our best shot.

“It’s in the balance and if we want it, it’s there in front of us, we can go and give it our best shot.

“As a squad we believe we can do it but there is a long way to go.

“You need to enjoy the occasion and the challenge. If you don’t then you are in the wrong game to be fair.”