Goalkeeper Tim Howard believes Everton have the solid defensive foundation to set themselves up for a UEFA Cup last 32 triumph in Norway tonight.
The Toffees are missing key players Mikel Arteta (groin) and Steven Pienaar (ankle) ahead of their first leg clash with Brann Bergen in a tight, 17,000 capacity stadium.
But Howard viewed the contest as a launch pad for greater success at home and abroad, with Everton occupying fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League in their charge for Champions League qualification.
He said: ‘It will be a tough, difficult game. We are away from home and we have studied what we can find out about them.’
Everton's research would have revealed that Brann - Norwegian champions for the first time in 44 years - have not played a competitive game for more than two months.
Howard said: ‘They have not played a serious game for a while, so it is based a lot on things that have happened a month or so ago.
‘It presents a challenge. But the fact that we are right in the middle of our season, and fully fit and ready, means that we do have the edge.’
