Intro:

Having already qualified for the knock-out round of the UEFA Europa League, Everton manager Roberto Martinez spoke on Wednesday ahead of his team's final Group H match against Russia's Krasnodar.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Roberto Martinez, Everton manager:

(on whether he's giving an opportunity to squad players against Krasnodar, having already qualified)

"Well, it's not just giving an opportunity, I think it's a game that should be a celebration because we are, with one game to go, we're top of the group. Obviously Krasnodar have no opportunity to get through, so for us to experiment a little bit with the line-up is important, I don't think it devalues the competition at all. And it should be a celebration at Goodison of all of our experiences in Europe this season, they've been phenomenal games. Absolutely."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Roberto Martinez, Everton manager:

(on the third placed Champions League teams joining the competition in the next round)

"Well I think it makes it even more exciting, from our point of view it doesn't get any harder than what we've been facing in the group stages, when you play teams like Wolfsburg and Lille and Krasnodar. You embrace the big names that are coming into the competition. I think from our point of view all we need to do is try to finish top of the group, because it gives you a little bit of privileged position in terms of playing the second game at home and being seeded in the draw. Once you do that, you embrace the big names that are going to come into the competition and make it a really strong second half or second part of the cup, if you want."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Roberto Martinez, Everton manager:

(on the prospect of drawing local-rivals Liverpool in the latter stages of the competition)

"Well, we don't, actually now we cannot face each other in the round of 32. I think it would've been a phenomenal footballing occasion if that happens. We're looking forward to when we meet them at Goodison in the league, and whatever comes I'm sure it'll be welcome by everyone."