The French youngster powered in the opener in the Toffees' 4-0 win over Sunderland and is eager to play his part against Liverpool.

"We played well and it was important to play well because we have Liverpool on Saturday.

"I've been working hard every day. It was hard when I came here but now I'm playing well. I think I deserve this goal."

When asked by Sky Sports whether he thought he'd done enough to earn a place in the side for Wembley, the 21-year-old said: "Yes I think so. Every day I'm working hard.

"I think everybody knows we can do good on Saturday and so everybody is confident and the win today is good for the mentality."

Everton will have to do without the cup-tied Steven Pienaar against Liverpool. Gueye knows the South African will be missed at Wembley but admits he is enjoying competing with the midfielder for a place in the side.

"Steven Pienaar is a great player; every day I'm learning and I'm ok with a big player. I'm young and I know I've got to work hard to get to the level of a Steven Pienaar."

Everton assistant manager Steve Round was also delighted for Gueye after the youngster notched his first goal for the club.

"It was a fantastic result. We are really pleased. We played some really good football and it was a real confidence booster.

"Magaye's got a great strike on the first one - they were all quality goals."

After making a number of changes to the regular starting line-up - Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines and Nikica Jelavic were all rested against Sunderland - Round and manager David Moyes face some tough choices before finalising their side for their Wembley date.

"I think it shows where we're at with the squad; the players that came in were fantastic and did us proud. The players said to the manager - 'if you need us we're available and we're ready'."