He will wear the number nine shirt which was worn by Saha before he switched to his favoured number eight last summer.

“I am aware of the history of the number nine here in the Premier League and also the history of it at Everton,” he said. “I am proud that Everton would give it to me and I intend to do the jersey proud as well.

“It did come as a shock when I was told I would be number nine.

“At the end of the day you get on the field and play but it is an honour to wear a special number, especially here.”

Meanwhile, Leighton Baines believes team-mate Steven Pienaar is as important to Everton as Cesc Fabregas is to tomorrow’s opponents Arsenal.

The left-back puts the club’s recent upturn in fortunes down to the return to fitness of the South African.

“Steven Pienaar is a great player. He is to us what Fabregas is to Arsenal,” Baines said.

“He is one of our big players who takes the ball and makes things happen.

“He is a massive outlet for us and him coming back into the side has seen us return to form and I don't think that is a coincidence.”

TOMORROW’S Academy Merseyside derby at Finch Farm has been postponed.