TIM HOWARD hopes Yakubu can now embark on a scoring streak after ending his goal drought at the weekend.

Yakubu netted for the first time since April to earn Everton a narrow 1-0 triumph against Stoke City at Goodison on Saturday.

Remarkably, that was also the last time a recognised striker had scored for David Moyes’s side in the Premier League.

Having scored 21 times in his debut season at Goodison in 2007-08, Yakubu suffered a serious Achilles injury the following term and, after making his comeback in August 2009, netted only six times last campaign as he struggled for form and fitness.

However, Howard is confident the Nigeria international’s matchwinner against the Potters can spark a goal glut to go with his continued improved performances for the team.

Š“It’s huge for us,” said the United States goalkeeper. “It was one of those days we didn’t know where things were going to come from. It was scrappy, it was tough.

“That’s the thing with the Yak in front of goal, he’s deadly. If the ball can fall to anybody and get his feet collected it’s Yak, he does brilliantly.

“I hope we can see him going on a run now. He’s been huge for us the last two months. We’ve been kind of riding him a little bit.

“I think he’s shown some good form, he’s shown some brilliant flashes and has been working terribly hard so I hope his rewards will continue to come. I’ve never been around a more clinical finisher in all my life.”

Yakubu himself admitted there was a mixture of delight and relief at ending his lengthy wait for a goal.