Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia is determined to build on his FA Cup to start to show he can continue to be of importance to the club. The 25-year-old kept a clean sheet in the home win over Peterborough United last week as he took up the role of cup keeper once again.

And he could get another opportunity next month when the Blues host Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round.

Virginia was rarely troubled on Thursday night but once again showed his composure on the big stage as he deputised for Jordan Pickford. Reflecting on the opportunity, which came in Everton’s first match following the dismissal of manager Sean Dyche, he said: “I felt really well, and my teammates always give me a lot of confidence. I will keep working to earn opportunities to show my value and contribute to Everton’s objectives.”

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The cup competitions provided Virginia an opportunity last season, when he kept clean sheets home and away in the FA Cup third round ties with Crystal Palace before starting in the defeat to Luton Town.

Those performances allowed Virginia to realise his ambition of playing in front of Blues supporters - his previous appearances had been in closed stadia during the Covid-19 pandemic, displays that were then followed by loan stints. He also started the Carabao Cup home tie with Southampton earlier this season, a game Everton lost on penalties.

While Premier League survival is the number priority right now, Virginia said he and his squad were keen to deliver a cup run in Goodison Park’s farewell campaign.

He said: “It was an important win for us, allowing us to continue in the competition. We want to go as far as possible, so we’re happy with the victory.”