JERMAINE BECKFORD has expressed his relief at breaking his goalscoring duck – as Marouane Fellaini handed Everton a welcome fitness fillip.

Beckford impressed while scoring twice in the 3-0 friendly win at Preston North End at the weekend.

They were the striker’s first goals since arriving on a free transfer from Leeds United in the summer.

And Beckford has now set sights on forcing his way into David Moyes’s plans for the Premier League opener against Blackburn Rovers on August 14.

“It is always nice to get the first one out of the way and get the pressure off,” said the forward. “Hopefully I will be able to get a few more in pre-season and carry the form on.

“The reception from the fans (at Preston) was amazing, and I can’t wait to play the first game at Goodison now.”

Everton’s next warm-up game is at Norwich City on Saturday, after which they entertain Everton Chile the following Wednesday before wrapping up their preparations with a game in Germany against Wolfsburg four days later.

Moyes’s men have won all four of their friendlies thus far, despite being without their World Cup representatives.

The majority are now back at Finch Farm, where numbers have been further boosted by the return to training this week of Fellaini.