Digne: Everton Ready To Show Character At Millwall

Lucas Digne says Everton are determined to “prove their character” by booking a place in the last 16 of the FA Cup with a victory over Millwall on Saturday.

The left-back is expecting an electric atmosphere at The Den but insists the Blues will embrace the challenge against Neil Harris’s team in the fourth round encounter.

Digne signed from La Liga giants Barcelona last summer and has gone on to emerge as one of Everton’s standout performers this season.

The France international has started the Blues’ past 19 Premier League matches and has consistently caught the eye with his polished defensive work and enterprising forays forward.

His quality on the ball, meanwhile, is highlighted by the fact he has delivered more accurate crosses than any other top-flight player this term.

He has also hit three goals for Everton, with each being expertly-placed finishes from outside the box.

The 25-year-old has detailed his ambition to mark his maiden campaign at Goodison Park with a strong run in the FA Cup.

Digne says Everton will go to Millwall primed and ready for a stern test and feels the team’s quality will shine through.

“It is the Cup and, for me, where you play or who you play is not a problem,” he said. “It is about our way and our team.

“We need to win. After the draw was made, I spoke to Ademola [Lookman] and Gana [Gueye] and Kurt [Zouma]. They told me it is a difficult place to play and sometimes the fans are very loud.

“In football, sometimes you need to prove your character. And I think we can prove it again at Millwall.”


Everton booked their fourth-round meeting with the Lions by seeing off Lincoln City at Goodison Park on January 5.

Leighton Baines stepped into the left-back position for the clash with the Imps and - in what was first appearance in more than three months - delivered a typically accomplished performance.

Digne says Baines’ impressive display came as no surprise, as he saluted the 34-year-old’s quality and professionalism.

The Frenchman revealed Baines, who has racked up 409 Everton appearances for Everton, regularly passes on words of advice on the training pitch and has aided his swift adaptation to English football.

“Leighton played very well [against Lincoln],” he said “I know him and how good he is. I see him all the time in training and I see his quality.

“Everybody knows Leighton. He has played 12 or 13 years at the highest level.

“It is normal he would play so well because he is a very good player.

“He helps me a lot, too. Before the games he gives me advice, some tactics.

“We speak a lot during the week. We have a very, very good relationship.”