David Moyes, head coach of Everton, embraces Pep Guardiola, head coach of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Everton’s chances of qualifying for Europe have been given a potential boost by the FA Cup semi-final draw.

The Blues haven’t taken part in continental competition since they reached the group stage of the Europa League under Ronald Koeman in 2017/18. However, speaking to this correspondent in an exclusive interview at the team’s hotel in Chicago last July while taking part in the Premier League Summer Series, manager David Moyes told the ECHO: “I wouldn’t want to use the word dream, but I’ve got an ambition to see if I can get Everton back towards European football.

“That’s what I think I have to make my first target. There are nine teams from the Premier League in Europe next season and somehow, we have to give ourselves some goals.”

With seven Premier League matches remaining, Everton currently sit eighth in the table ahead of their return to action on Saturday against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The west London outfit are one place above the Blues but level on points...