“As a striker you have to be strong in the head and when you get a chance to play you have to take it.

“I thought after mine and Victor’s goals we would get the three points but we now have to focus on Bolton.”

Yakubu, who ruptured his Achilles in November 2008, has made gradual progress since he returned to action last September.

And with other star names regaining their fitness he is confident the future is bright for David Moyes and his side.

“I think Everton are getting better and better. Every season we get better,” Yakubu said.

“With the players we have and getting our injured players back I think we now have one of the best Everton squads for a long time

“We now hope we can progress as a team and start winning trophies.”

Meanwhile, Landon Donovan has praised the “incredible” Everton supporters following the end of his 10-week loan spell at Goodison.

The USA international has returned to LA Galaxy after scoring twice in 13 appearances for Moyes’ men.

Everton’s hopes of extending his stay on Merseyside were dashed by the MLS outfit.

“I’m 28 and I’ve played over 100 times for my country, I’ve also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world, but I’ve never met a fan-base like this,” Donovan said.

“They’ve been absolutely incredible and it’s hard to imagine that they can be that passionate every time you go out but they care. The send-off from the fans after the Hull City game was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”