Interview with Vital Everton

1) You managed to scrape a draw at the Stadium of Light through the 'perm' in the closing stages. Did you fear you could lose it after going behind to Darren Bent's header?

We were on top for most of the game but couldn't find a way through, did I fear you'd hold out? Of course we were running out of time, was still very disappointed to only take a point from the game though, when we really needed all three.

2) You seem to have hit a good run of form in the league, is this due to players returning who have been injured?

We now have 13 or 14 senior players available for each game, which unsurprisingly has helped with out form. But the main change has been the form of some of our players who were already fit, for the last 8 or 9 games Fellaini has been absolutely brilliant. As I'm sure you saw in the away fixture, he has started bossing teams every game, he wasn't great against Birmingham though so hopefully that wasn't the end of his good run.

3) What went wrong on Saturday to lose to the in form Birmingham? Was the FA Cup important to you this season?

What went wrong? An absolutely disgraceful performance in the first half. The players let the fans down big time, when you look at the teams left in it, Everton would have rightly been one of the favourites to win the thing, but we bottled it and now it will be very hard to get European football next season.

4) Any transfers been made or in the pipeline this month? Who do you want to arrive by 31st Jan?

Donovan and Senderos have arrived this month on loan, with Neill and Jo departing. We are in desperate need of a striker, and rumour has it we're after Huntelaar, which would obviously be a brilliant signing.

5) What are your hopes for the remainder of this season?

Top 6 finish and to win the Europa League. There's no reason we can't if the players get their act together. Arteta returned against Brimingham and whilst it will take a while for him to get up to speed, he's by far and away our best player so to have him back is obviously massive for our ambitions this season. We're now only waiting on Jagielka's return from injury, and Yakubu coming back from the African cup of nations.There's light at the end of the tunnel, how much light? Only time will tell.

6) Where do you think Sunderland will finish this season?

Mid table somewhere 12th-14th, I was worried during the start of the season you'd be hard to catch, but thankfully your winter form has been a massive let down. Can't see you getting drawn into a relegation fight though, Bent's goals alone should see to that.

7) Prediction please?

3-0 Everton.

EvertonMike.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.