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The Toffees are missing key players Mikel Arteta (groin) and Steven Pienaar (ankle) ahead of their first leg clash with Brann Bergen in a tight, 17,000 capacity stadium.

But Howard views the contest as a launch pad for greater success and said: "It will be a tough, difficult game. We are away from home and we have studied what we can find out about them."

Everton's research would have revealed that Brann - Norwegian champions for the first time in 44 years - have not played a competitive game for more than two months.

Howard said: "They have not played a serious game for a while, so it is based a lot on things that have happened a month or so ago.

"It presents a challenge. But the fact that we are right in the middle of our season, and fully fit and ready, means that we do have the edge.

"We have been very sound in defence of late. That is what is important.

"It has not been lost on anyone. The foundation of our side has been very solid, it gives us the platform to win games."

He added: "We have learned about Europe with each game. That is inevitable. We have a 100% record in the group stages and now we are in the knockout section and we have to create our own history.

"Brann will be formidable opponents whether they are in or out of their season. They have trained for this for several weeks, they will be tough."