Phil Jagielka praises Everton's Leighton Baines

Baines has scored four goals in all competitions for Everton this season

Everton's Phil Jagielka believes that left-back Leighton Baines has been the Blues' player of the season.

Baines, 26, has 11 assists for David Moyes' team in the Premier League, second only to Manchester United winger Nani, who has 16 to his name.

"He's probably been our player of the season - hands down," Jagieka told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He's probably set up half of our goals this season, if not more. Bainsey's a great little player."

Everton's 2-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday lifted them to eighth in the Premier League after what has been an inconsistent campaign.

But Jagielka admits that he and his team-mates expected more and that they are already thinking about improvements for next season.

"I was really excited about the start of this season but unfortunately we didn't start the way wanted to and it snowballed into us not picking up many points," the England defender continued.

I've played at the Millennium Stadium once before with Sheffield United. But I think it will be a bit different

Phil Jagielka on the prospect of playing for England against Wales

"As much as I'm not ruling out the rest of this season, I can't wait for the next.

"We've got some exciting players and hopefully the gaffer can add to that. We can have a good pre-season and for once have a good start to the season."

Both Jagielka and Baines have been called into Fabio Capello's England squad to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, when the former Sheffield United man hopes to add to his seven caps.

"I've played at the Millennium Stadium once before with Sheffield United," he added. "But I think it will be a bit different with the two nations being so close together and I'm sure the atmosphere will be electric.

"If I'm involved, then I'll look forward to it."