Michael Keane has described what Everton must be aiming to do next season after committing his long-term future to the club.
The centre-back has signed a new five-year contract with the Blues, keeping him at Goodison Park until 2025.
The 27-year-old was one of the side's top performances in the period following the return from lockdown, capping his performances with a winning goal away to Norwich in June.
Earlier this week, Keane was named in the England squad once more for upcoming fixtures against Iceland and Denmark.
But away from personal ambitions, the defender is focused on helping his side to not just qualify for Europe next term, but to finally break their long run without a trophy too.
Keane told evertonfc.com : “I’ve had so much support since I joined Everton.
"The chairman has been unbelievable with me. He’s always expressed his belief in me so I want to say thanks to him, and also the staff, my teammates and the fans.
“As a team we have to look to achieve something and push for a trophy. It is not easy but it is something we have to aim for.
“The club has been investing in the team and it is time we started producing results on the pitch.
“We want to finish higher in the table than we did last year and get into Europe. And if we can win a cup that would be brilliant.
“It is always helpful when you feel you have a good relationship with your managers and can speak to them about anything, whether it is football or something else.
“I feel I can approach anyone I am playing for at the minute. That is a help. But the big thing is the football and the way they like to play.
“My style suits both managers [Ancelotti and Southgate] and that is probably why you are seeing the best of me at the minute.”
Keane became a crucial member of Ancelotti's squad in the games following lockdown and especially in the closing matches of the campaign, thanks to injuries to both Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate.
The defender is keen to improve even further under his boss, but knows the support of Everton fans will be important.
“You want to have a good relationship with the fans," the centre-back added.
“I think the fans do respect me… and appreciate the way I play and put my body on the line. It is something I will continue to do and, hopefully, they can see me improve as a player as well.
“I am learning every day on the training pitch with the manager and all his staff. They have been brilliant and really got across the way they want us to play.
“The manager is one of the best there has been. I am hoping we can kick on this season and make the fans proud again.
“Before lockdown I had a good run of form and, hopefully, I can keep that going into this season and keep improving. I am not happy just staying where I am at the minute. I want to keep improving and keep learning.
“My best years are definitely ahead of me."
