Jagielka orders opening day win

Jagielka enjoyed a fine campaign for Everton last season

Phil Jagielka says he wants Everton to hit the ground running when they launch their new Premier League campaign against Blackburn on Saturday.

The Toffees finished fifth last season and the defender is keen to emulate that success.

"We had a home game [to start] last season and we started off well," Jagielka told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Blackburn will be a hard team to play against. But hopefully we can kick-off with three points."

With Blackburn making changes in the playing squad and appointing former MK Dons boss Paul Ince as manager, Jagielka says his team-mates are not sure what to expect from Rovers just yet.

But the England international believes his side should be thinking about playing well rather than focusing on their opposition.

"Most of their [Blackburn's] players are still there," he said.

I've always concentrated on my form for Everton and if that gets me a call-up, it gets me a call-up Phil Jagielka

"But they've lost a few key players. Whether tactics will change or not with the new manager, only time will tell.

"But we can't concentrate too much on what they're going to do. We've got to go out there and put in a good performance and hopefully score more than them."

On a personal note, Jagielka hopes to keep his place in the England squad after winning his first cap against Trinidad and Tobago in May.

But he insists international recognition it is not the most important thing right now.

"I've always concentrated on my form for Everton and if that gets me a call-up, it gets me a call-up," he added.

"But if it doesn't, as long as I'm playing well, I don't mind."