When asked if he believes he will be at Everton next season, Pienaar said: “You have to ask God that. If God wants me to come back after the World Cup healthy and happy then I’ll be here.

“I want to go to the World Cup with my mind fresh and because it’s going to be another task for me. It’s my country I’m representing.”

Everton want Pienaar to follow the example of team-mate Tim Cahill, who is on the verge of signing a new four-year deal.

“The chairman knows my thoughts, I will sign here for life,” said the Australian. “He knows my thoughts on what I love about this club.

“I respect everyone so much and hopefully I am here for a long time.”

As expected, Pienaar and Cahill have both been confirmed in the preliminary 30-man World Cup squads for their respective countries.

But there was a welcome surprise for Victor Anichebe, who has been selected along with team-mates Yakubu and Joseph Yobo by Lars Lagerback for the provisional Nigeria squad.

Anichebe has been included despite not playing in the qualifying rounds after being sidelined for 11 months with a serious knee injury that kept him out until January.

“It would be a great feeling, but everybody keeps asking me about the World Cup and I didn’t participate in any of the qualifiers,” said the striker.

“Obviously the manager needs to look at everyone and see who’s fit, who’s played a lot of games, who’s in good form. We’ll see.”