Andy Van Der Meyde is ready to fight for Everton place

Oct 10 2008

Andy van der Meyde shrugs off Port Vale's Colin Miles (200)

Andy van der Meyde is eager to help the Goodison outfit as he closes in on full fitness after injuring his hamstring during a pre-season draw at Nottingham Forest.

“It’s my aim to get back in the side,” said the Dutch winger. “I need it, Everton need it, the supporters deserve it and I can’t wait to get back in the team and give them something back.

“Sometimes I have the feeling that people think, ‘look at him, he’s injured again and enjoying it’, but that isn’t the case, I want to play football.

“I feel good now, it’s been a long time, I’ve been out for 10 weeks. I feel good, I’ve started doing some shooting and doing some running.

“We don’t want to rush it because it makes no sense. If I come out too early and pull it again, then I will be out for another ten weeks, so I’d rather stay another week out and get back for the rest of the season.”