Lee Carsley hails Yakubu as Everton's 'new dimension'

Nov 6 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

LEE CARSLEY believes Everton are now benefiting from the new dimension Yakubu has added to their attack.

The £11.25million club record signing from Middlesbrough scored his first goal at Goodison on Saturday during the 3-1 victory over Birmingham City.

It was Yakubu’s fourth strike of his Everton career and his second in successive Premier League games following his strike at Derby County the previous week.

The 24-year-old had struggled to become accustomed to life at Goodison during the weeks following his transfer, despite scoring 11 minutes into his debut at Bolton Wanderers in early September.

But after completing his first full 90 minutes for Everton on Saturday, Yakubu’s contribution has been backed by team-mate Carsley.

“Yak has added a new dimension to us,” said the Republic of Ireland international. “It is difficult when you come to a different club but no one can ever question his commitment and workrate. He has done his best every game and now he is adding goals.

“He is fantastic footballer and a very good player – we are lucky to have him.”

With James Vaughan now also back among the goals after injury and Andrew Johnson nearing full fitness following an ankle operation, manager David Moyes will soon have plenty of strength in depth up front.

And Carsley added: “Vaughany has looked so sharp since he has come back so he has done really well.

“We still have got AJ to come back and Victor Anichebe. So we have got a lot of striking options.”

Meanwhile, Everton’s Carling Cup quarter-final at West Ham United will take place on Wednesday, December 12, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

The fixture comes three days before Moyes’s side visit Upton Park in the Premier League.

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