AYEGBENI YAKUBU has urged his Everton team-mates to take out their frustration on Bolton at Goodison Park this Saturday.

Everton missed the chance to step up their challenge for European qualification last weekend as they let slip a 2-0 lead at fellow contenders Birmingham City.

The Nigerian striker admits only taking a point from the game at St Andrew’s was tough to take but he is expecting a response against Owen Coyle’s side.

“Everyone was disappointed we didn’t get the three points,” he said.

“To only go home with a point meant everyone was a little bit down.

“We threw it away but there is no shame getting a draw at Birmingham. You have to give them some credit because they are a good team who gave everything.

“Hopefully we can make up for it this Saturday at home and get back on track. We have to keep working hard and get three points against Bolton.”

Yakubu, who nodded home Everton’s second goal at Birmingham, believes he is slowly getting back to his best after his lengthy absence with an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old’s fourth strike of a difficult season helped to banish the memory of his performance against Hull a week earlier when he missed a penalty and a number of other gilt-edged chances.

“I was pleased to get one and it’s so good to be back,” he added.

“I was disappointed after the Hull game but the manager said to me ‘you have to keep the goals for when it really matters’.

“As a striker sometimes you play really well, but don’t score.

“But then at Birmingham I finished my first chance which is great so you have to stay positive.