Koeman has no regrets over Niasse exclusion

Koeman's side made a poor start to their European campaign, losing 3-0 at Atalanta two weeks ago, but they will aim to bounce back against Apollon Limassol at Goodison Park on Thursday evening.

However, the Toffees will be without Niasse, who scored both goals as Everton came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in a crucial win in the Premier League.

That was the Senegalese striker's first Premier League appearance since May 2016 and he was out of the picture when Koeman had to name his squad for the Europa League earlier this month.

When asked if he regretted omitting Niasse, Koeman said on Wednesday: "No, because we had to make that decision, I think a really long time ago, and that time his situation was not the situation of now.

"In life, you don't get a second chance and you have to decide, and then you make a decision.

"I believe we need to improve our attacking, but I am not worried because I believe in the qualities of our strikers."

Everton put in a disappointing display against Atalanta but they head into Thursday's match on the back of a Carabao Cup win over Sunderland and the victory over Bournemouth, and Koeman believes home wins will see them through to the knockout phase in Europe.

"The two wins were important, but this is a different competition," he said.

"We need to react because what we saw in Italy was not the Everton we like. We have to show that revenge feeling tomorrow.

"You play three games at home in the group stage and you need to win those."