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Leighton Baines says there is “no reason” why he can’t get back to the form he showed for Everton five years ago as he prepares to return from injury.

The England left back has not kicked a competitive ball for the Blues since May, having twice undergone ankle surgery.

But the 30-year-old, a key player at Goodison over the past eight seasons, is edging ever close to a return to first-team action.

Baines scored a in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End at Finch Farm on Wednesday, and could be available for selection when Everton entertain Aston Villa in the Premier League next Saturday.

And while the defender admits that uncertainty over form and fitness is new ground for him, he says he will be working tirelessly to return to the levels he showed before the injuries struck.

READ: Neil Jones on how Baines return can add consistency and quality to Everton's attacking game

Baines told The Telegraph: “There’s no reason I can’t be as good as I was five years ago. If I am not I can look at myself in the mirror. It won’t be for the want of trying.

“If you had seen me train over the last few months you can see I’m keen to work.

“This is a dead interesting time for me. It’s new. I have never been through anything like it before. I’m older, I’m going to be 31. I find it all quite exciting.

“Even the question of not having three years on a contract. It’s a dead interesting position. In the past I have been younger, I have been fit and healthy and playing well. I am not in that situation any more. I am older. I have had two surgeries. I have one more year left. It’s quite exciting to be honest.”

Blues fans, how much are you looking forward to seeing Bainesy back in action? Let us know in the comments section below, or @LivEchoEFC