AMONG all the players to have spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines for Everton during the past 18 months, there has been one that appeared close to slipping off the radar.

While the return to fitness of Mikel Arteta, Yakubu and Phil Jagielka was widely welcomed, Victor Anichebe's comeback was a somewhat more low-key affair.

Given the comparative impact of each player on David Moyes's side, it was perhaps no surprise.

But now the Goodison manager believes Anichebe is ready to prove his worth and revive an Everton career that appeared on the slide when he suffered a serious knee injury at Newcastle United in February 2009.

Less than a month earlier, Anichebe had a transfer request rejected after seeing a loan move to Hull City fall through, prompting a brief bust-up with Moyes.

The injury, though, gave the 21-year-old time to re-evaluate his career. And having returned in late January, Anichebe has knuckled down and fought his way back into the starting line-up, his revival capped by his fine goal in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham City last week.

"The penny is beginning to drop with Victor," says Moyes. "He is improving. Maybe he is laid back in his general mannerisms but behind all that he is a good boy and someone who I think wants to do well.

"But he needs help to do that, and we are willing to give him that guidance as long as he is willing to do his part.

"He knows how we feel. We like him a lot. But we want him to give more.

"I think Victor has always known what he wants. His injury was a terrible injury but overall Victor has got himself back and what he needs to do now is improve his fitness levels so he can fulfil 90 minutes regularly. That's probably his next challenge.

"Victor has always needed to keep his work-rate high, he has to if he's going to play in the Premier League. In the modern game, you have to work hard in your training and that makes your job at the weekend a little easier."