Phil Neville insists that Everton have not given up the fight for a UEFA Champions League place, despite failing to beat Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Toffees are set for a top-six finish this season despite having to play much of the campaign with an under-strength squad after a spate of injuries.
Their club captain believes that determination, fighting spirit and a motivated manager are the reasons behind the success.
"It is an unbelievable effort, given the injuries we've had, that we are still in contention for a European place," Neville said.
"To be honest with you, I think people are waiting for us to fall now. But you can see the energy in the side and a determination to keep things going.
"The manager has done a great job, making sure we do just the right amount of training, resting us where possible and getting us right for the games.
"He was not happy with just a point at Villa because a win would have taken us above them, but we are still hoping to get into fourth position.
"It is still mathematically possible so we will still keep fighting. No-one is giving up."
Everton are currently nine points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, with six games remaining in the Premier League season.
Neville admits that catching Arsene Wenger's side is unlikely, but points out that Arsenal's tough run-in, including matches with title chasing Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, gives Everton a glimmer of hope.
He added: "For us to have any chance of finishing fourth we need to win all six games and we need Arsenal to lose three of their remaining games.
"Whether that is possible, I don't know, but we will keep going. Arsenal have got some very tough games coming up and they've got to win those as well.
"Let's just keep fighting and there is not a lot to choose between ourselves and Villa as proven in the three games we have played against them this season."
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