Leon Osman opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a long-range shot before Victor Anichebe confirmed the victory two minutes from time.

It sets the Merseyside team up well for the second leg of their third-round tie at Goodison Park next Thursday and Osman admitted they had learned from previous experience.

He said: "We knew we had to be patient, European football is a lot different to Premier League football, we've learned that. We have been far more patient than we have in the past."

The midfielder warned that the Norwegians would still provide stiff opposition with Everton far from assured of progress.

He added: "It is far from over. They will give everything they have got but if we keep a clean sheet we're through. We came here and kept a clean sheet and we're pleased with that."