Jagielka ready to shine at Everton

Aug 29 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

Phil Jagielka holds an Everton shirt at Bellefield after signing for Everton. Picture courtesy of EvertonFC.com _320

PHIL JAGIELKA has thanked James McFadden for netting Everton’s equaliser against Blackburn after he missed a golden opportunity to score himself – but is hoping an impressive first Goodison Park appearance will hold the key to him making his full debut this weekend.

He said: “We didn’t play too well at Reading but we gave a decent account of ourselves against Blackburn.

“They have got a good team and hit us on the counter attack but thankfully Faddy popped up and didn’t leave it to me to score.

“When I saw AJ get hold of it, I knew I had to make a run in to the six yard box but the ball just skidded off my face and went wide.

“If it had smacked me in the face, it would probably have gone in. I was nearly in tears when it went past the post.”

Jagielka added:

“As soon as Cars looked like he was struggling, the gaffer told me to get warmed up and I was itching to get on,” said Jagielka.

“It was nice to get just over 45 minutes, especially at home as it is the first time I’ve played here.

“I hope I gave the team a little bit. The reception I got was fantastic and after we scored the goal, the atmosphere was electric.

“Competition for places is good but it is only good when you are playing. I don’t want there to be the best competition in the world if I’m not playing every week.

“I’ve come here to play but I know I have got to be patient. It’s up to me to prove to the gaffer that I can get a place in the team and nail it down.

“It was nice to get on against Blackburn and I thought I gave a decent enough account of myself. We’ll see what next week brings.

“Obviously I didn’t want to lose my record of playing in consecutive games but it is a new start for me here and I am playing with better players in a better team.”

“It might take time but if I get in, hopefully I’ll stay there.”