Mirallas ready to embrace a more senior role at Everton

Kevin Mirallas says he is ready to embrace a more senior role at Everton this term.



The Belgian forward may only be 26, but now in his third season at Goodison Park, he believes he has a pivotal part to play in leading the Blues' attacks.



With Roberto Martinez conjuring up a delicate mix of youth and experience in the middle and final thirds, Mirallas is targeting a greater contribution this term - starting against Chelsea on Saturday.



He said: "I feel very happy here, very much at home. I feel good in myself. It's my third season here and my main ambition this year is to score more goals and take a more decisive role in matches, continuing from the season's start to finish.



"For me, given the injuries we have, I feel I have to take the team under my wing and to help us in that sense. There's a lot of responsibility on me to steer the attacks and I hope this will show our resilience even more."



Everton will be without the injured Steven Pienaar and ineligible winger Christian Atsu for the visit of Jose Mourinho's side, while Bryan Oviedo (broken leg), Arouna Kone and Ross Barkley (both knee) are also out.



"I feel like I am playing better and better as time goes on and, despite the number of absentees, with increased effort from players like myself, we'll be able to show we can get by and have a great match this weekend," added Mirallas. "I do like the big matches and this is certainly one of them."



Mirallas has seen many incomings and outgoings since his own arrival on Merseyside in August 2012.



And now, with three-times Champions League winner Samuel Eto'o the latest name through the Finch Farm doors, the Belgian believes the recent quality of additions has highlighted progress on and off the pitch.



He added: "An impressive squad and a wider range of players can only help us compete in the Premier League and help us stay at the top of it where we belong.



"Our objective as a club is to continue to progress and stay among the best teams in the Premier League. We're spending more and attracting a higher calibre of player perhaps. That shows the evolution of the team and the ambition we have."