The Manchester-born 26-year-old has settled well into life at Goodison Park since his 2007 move from Sheffield United, becoming one of the most consistent performers in David Moyes' side.

During his short time with the Toffees, Jagielka has gained two full England caps and it was his decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out against Manchester United yesterday which sent Everton back to Wembley for the FA Cup final.

The defender hopes to end the current campaign on a high.

"The last 18 months have been phenomenal for me, with getting in the team more regularly and winning my first England cap," Jagielka said.

"I have been playing quite well and getting in the Everton side most weeks, so it has been a dream move on my behalf.

"It will make it even more special if we can win a bit of silverware."

Jagielka continued: "We want to finish well in the league, and fifth place is still up for grabs.

"It is about time the squad we have here comes of age and starts to win trophies. Playing in the final is the right way to go about it.

"A lot of people think we are in the shadows of Liverpool all the time. If you look at what they have done, they have been more successful.

"But when [Liverpool manager Rafael] Benitez said we are a small club, it is a bit embarrassing. We have proved we are not by getting to the final.

"If we can win the FA Cup, it will put us on the map again and then hopefully we can go from strength to strength."

Everton have stayed down in London ahead of Wednesday night's crucial Barclays Premier League game at Chelsea, whom they will face in the FA Cup final.

Jagielka is relishing the challenge of testing himself against the likes of Didier Drogba, who netted a late winner for the Blues to knock Arsenal out on Saturday and has been reborn under interim manager Guus Hiddink.

"In a strange way it is nice to see Drogba coming back to form," Jagielka said.

"It was disappointing as a football fan when he wasn't doing very well. Now he seems to be back to his best, throwing defenders to one side.

"It is a little bit frightening but it is also exciting to play against.

"If he scores a hat-trick on Wednesday I will obviously be smiling on the other side of my face.

"But if we can keep him quiet in the final, it will take us a long way towards lifting the FA Cup."