David Moyes was proud of his players following the 1-0 victory over AEK Athens but voiced concern over injuries to Dan Gosling and Sylvain Distin. Everton booked their place in the last 32 of the Europa League after holding on to an early lead given to them by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
They had to battle the weather as well as their opponents, with torrential rain in the Greek capital making the pitch extremely difficult to play on.
Moyes said: "I was pleased, especially with the outcome of the game. The early goal helped us.
"The young players who came in did really well tonight and I'm delighted with them.
"It's very important to have qualified with a game to spare as it gives us a week where we don't need to be too intense with the squad.
"I think the conditions did play a part. It was an energy-sapping pitch.
"It was like back to the old days. I would have enjoyed it in my playing days but I don't know how some of the players felt about the conditions out there."
"Before the game, I was worried because there was a lot of standing water. We were desperately looking round for some groundsmen to start forking it but we couldn't find any. I was disappointed by that.
"The pitch was playable to start but I was worried when the rain came down again.
"The spirit of Everton was apparent, especially among the young players. It shows there is a heartbeat at the football club and I have always known that. I feel the blood is pumping through the veins again. It was important to qualify with a game to spare. The knockout games don't start until the new year when we should have some players back from injury. If that happens we will be a match for most teams. It would be nice to play Liverpool - but in the final. That would be a good one.'
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