"You can't beat the feeling of being out there playing and competing - and there's no better place to be doing it than here at our new home, Hill Dickinson Stadium," Branthwaite told the club's website.

"We've seen in recent games exactly what it sounds and feels like when it really gets going. When we play on the front foot, the fans are with us. This is an incredible place to play football, and together we can make it somewhere opposition teams dread to come."

Branthwaite praised manager David Moyes for reinstilling a clear identity at the club. "The manager has really brought back what Everton stands for. He's been brilliant with me and the rest of the dressing room. He knows what this club means to people, he knows what it takes to be successful, and he gives us the confidence to go out there and play."

Looking ahead, Branthwaite confirmed the squad's target for the season. "Our goal is to get back into European competition. It's ambitious after some tough years, but we all believe we have the quality to do it. As we approach the final part of the season, the target is still there."

Reflecting on his personal development, Branthwaite, 23, added: "People ask how far I am from my best after my injury, but honestly I don't think I've reached it yet. I've got plenty of years to reach my prime. I will keep learning, keep pushing myself, and do everything I can to help this team."

Everton currently sit 8th in the Premier League with 46 points from 31 matches. Their next five fixtures are: Brentford (away, April 11), Liverpool (home, April 19), West Ham United (away, April 25), Manchester City (home, May 2), and Crystal Palace (away, May 9).

Branthwaite believes the team is ready to push forward: "This isn't a club fighting against relegation anymore. We want success, and with the manager building the team and identity, we can achieve that in the next couple of years."

Nigeria must seek FIFA approval to secure rising star Benjamin Casey