They face Hull in the Carling Cup tonight on the back of successive victories against Blackburn in the Premier League and AEK Athens in the Europa League.

Round points to the departure of Joleon Lescott and the late arrival of new players as reasons why Everton lost three of their first four league matches.

He said: "We have started to get our tempo and confidence back. The new players are gelling well and things are looking good.

"We are competing on a limited budget and when that happens you have to wheel and deal. Things can take time.

"Losing one of our stalwarts in Joleon was a bit of blow. We then brought in new players at the end of the transfer window.

"So it takes time for things to come together but we are beginning to see the cohesion again that we had last season."

Everton were runners-up to Manchester United in the FA Cup in May, and Round believes the team are anxious to build on that achievement of getting to Wembley.

He said: "The Carling Cup is very important as it is a chance to win silverware. I know the players have a determination to win trophies.

"Going to the FA Cup final was a great experience but to lose the match was a bitter blow. The players now want to take things a stage further.

"However we know it is very difficult fighting on four fronts. We are not Manchester United who can rest 11 internationals and then put another 11 internationals back out.

"We have a stronger squad than last season and will compete until we either keel over or win a trophy."

Hull manager Phil Brown has seen his side struggle in the opening weeks after they secured their top-flight status on the final day of last season.

Round added: "We feel we can win any game as we have a squad full of talent. But away matches are always difficult.

"Hull are resilient and tough and have a very good manager in Phil Brown. They will be right up for it and it should be a really good cup tie."