Everton defender Leighton Baines targeting extended FA Cup run

The Toffees have been in good form recently and the England full-back is eyeing the end of a 16-year trophy drought in this years cup, having been beaten finalists in 2009.

13 Feb 2012 18:21:00

By Alex Richards

More On :  Everton, Leighton Baines
EPL - Sunderland v Everton, Leighton Baines
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Everton defender Leighton Baines is looking forward to this weekend's FA Cup fifth round tie against Blackpool, insisting that he and his team-mates are 'desperate' for a good cup run this season.

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The Toffees, winners in 1995 and beaten finalists in 2009, have won their last three matches at Goodison Park and host Ian Holloway's side this weekend. Baines is hopeful that a continuation of that form will edge them closer to another Wembley appearance.

"It is a massive game for us," Baines said of the visit of the Seasiders, speaking to Evertontv.

"We are desperate for a cup run as we know how much we all enjoyed it last time."

One player Everton must do without is on-loan Steven Pienaar, who is cup-tied and Baines has been full of praise for the impact his return has made.

"He is such a good player he makes a massive difference and in the last couple of games he has changed the dynamic of the team and he gives us something totally different," Baines added.

"He can take the ball in any situation and is the link between back to front and definitely gives us a different side to our game."

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