ASH: WE HAVE TO MAINTAIN REVIVAL RUN

ASHLEY WILLIAMS claims Everton’s revival will count for nothing if they fail to beat Apollon Limassol tomorrow.

Everton have recovered from the low point of their 3-0 drubbing by Atalanta in their opening Europa League group game to win their last two matches.

They have answered boss Ronald Koeman’s rallying call after he held crisis talks with Williams (above) and the club’s other senior players, following that dire display in Italy.

But Williams claims all that hard work will be wasted if they do not beat Cypriot side Limassol at Goodison Park.

“We have to keep this going,” said the Wales skipper. “If you don’t win the next game, then it feels bad again.

“We’ve won two now. We need to keep the run going, especially at home, and we need a win in the Europa League. After the Atalanta game (below), which was so disappointing for all of us, we want to go out there and put things right.”

Williams also praised team-mate Gylfi Sigurdsson and says the Blues’ record £45million signing can be a key player this season.

“I’m pleased for him,” said the centre-back. “He’s settled in, the lads get on with him and he feels at home. He’s a very important player for us.

“He has put in a real shift for us out on the left and he worked so hard for us against Bournemouth on Saturday.”

Williams will partner Mason Holgate again in the centre of defence against Apollon, as Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane are injured – and the veteran is impressed with his new apprentice.

Holgate, 20, has made five starts for Everton this season and Williams said: “He’s one of my best mates, so we speak all the time.

“He knows the position, he is a centre-half, and I think we work well together.”