James Garner wantsEverton to extend their unbeaten run against Ipswich Town before the Premier League pauses for the international break.
David Moyes’s side welcome Ipswich to the Hill Dickinson on Saturday having gone six games without defeat in all competitions, including Wednesday night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Wolves.
Garner believes the timing of the fixture gives Everton added incentive to make sure they sign off with another positive result.
“1,000 percent, yeah, it is a big game and it is the last game before the lads go off on international duty,” Garner told the Liverpool Echo.
“So I think this game is probably one of the most important ones because you either go out on a high or go out on a low and we want to go out on a high and keep the unbeaten run going.”
Garner opens up on groin surgery
The 24-year-old has also spoken about his return from groin surgery during the summer and admitted his determination to play meant he may have returned sooner than expected.
“Not really, no, because I know the type of mindset that I have got and even if I have had surgery, if it was up to me I would play the next day,” he said when asked whether his quick return had surprised him.
“But that is the type of person that I am. I am probably back earlier than what I should be, but that is just the type of person that I am. I want to be there to fight with the lads and show the manager that I am available.”
Garner has subsequently re-established himself in Moyes’s midfield and is encouraged by Everton’s start.
“We are still unbeaten and we look really solid,” he said. “We are scoring goals, but at the same time we are keeping the ball out the back of our net as well. Long may that continue.”
Everton’s latest victory came against Wolves in midweek, with our confirmed line-ups and match coverage available here.
For more ahead of Saturday, read our Everton v Ipswich talking points and referee guide.
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