Phil Jagielka has claimed that tiredness must not be used as an excuse for Everton's inconsistent form this season.

Roberto Martinez's side are juggling a Europa League campaign with their Premier League commitments as they look to pull clear of the bottom three following a disappointing run.

However, Jagielka insists that the players must be prepared for the physical challenges if they want to achieve success domestically and in Europe.

"You are bound to feel that bit more tired but if we want to go and play Champions League football, play European football regularly and go far in these competitions then we need to expect this many games per season," the Toffees captain told reporters ahead of Thursday's meeting with Dynamo Kiev.

"I don't want to play 20 games a season and feel great. I want to play as many as possible, get through them and do a job."

Everton are currently just six points above the Premier League relegation zone.