Yakubu backs team-mates to make it to final

Jan 9 2008 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo

Yakubu

AYEGBENI YAKUBU today backed his Everton team-mates to deliver the one thing he craves on his return from the African Cup of Nations – a trip to Wembley.

The Blues’ record signing was in high spirits as he flew out with Joseph Yobo to join up with Nigeria’s squad for the tournament in Ghana, even though the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Chelsea.

But while Chelsea will be hot favourites to meet either Arsenal or Tottenham in the final on February 24, Yakubu has other ideas and he is confident Everton – who are stepping up their efforts to sign Manuel Fernandes on loan – can overturn the deficit.

His parting gift was the goal that gives David Moyes’ side a huge chance of reaching Wembley and Yakubu believes the crowd at Goodison Park will help make all the difference when Chelsea arrive on Merseyside in a fortnight.

“I hope we can make it as it would be so nice for everyone,” said the £11.25m hitman. “I’d love to be involved but we have lots of players who can step in and play well

“With the fans behind us, I think we will get the result that we need. Everyone is looking forward to the occasion.

“It’s disappointing that me and Joseph have to go away but that is the way it is. We have to play for our country.

“I would love to play in the semi-final but that is the way it is. I’ll be watching on television and praying for them to do well.

“At the moment, the team is playing so well and we are fighting for each other.

“I could be away for five or six weeks but it could be shorter if we get knocked out in Ghana.

“Of course I want to stay there as long as I can but I’ll be thinking about Everton all the time and I think we will be at Wembley when I get back.”

Though the manner of the goal they conceded injury time left boss Moyes tearing his hair out, Yakubu was quick to point out that within minutes of returning to the dressing room, the only thing on the players’ minds was atoning in the second leg.

“We are all disappointed but we have something to take from the game,” said Yakubu. “We conceded a silly goal in the last minute but it is just one of those things.

“We have the second leg to play and I’m sure we can make it up them.

Everton, meanwhile, have rejected a £2.5m bid from Birmingham for James McFadden but that is unlikely to deter Alex McLeish, who is expected to contact the Blues with an improved bid today.