Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn believes the reason the Toffees have exceeded everyone's expectations this season is because they have made themselves a hard team to beat.
David Moyes' side have been the surprise package in the Barclays Premiership this season and are favourites to claim the final
Champions League spot as the season draws to an end.
Sitting in fourth spot they have a three-point advantage over
Liverpool who have played a game more than their Merseyside rivals and have just six more points to play for, although if Rafael Benitez's side reach the
Champions League final the row over what to do if the Reds win the European Cup is likely to put
Everton's place under threat.
Nevertheless, 38-year-old shot stopper Martyn has been a key figure in
Everton's successful season having started 31 of the 35 league games conceding just 28 goals, to leave the talented Richard Wright keeping the bench warm.
"I have certainly enjoyed this season and my form has been good. I have just tried to keep consistent really and perform well to stay in the team," Martyn said.
"I think we have exceeded everyone else's expectations this season, internally you are always hopeful that you are going to achieve something and that is what we set out to do and that is what we have done.
"There is a great team spirit and a group of players who want to work hard for each other and make it so we are a hard team to beat and that is where we are at the moment."
