JERMAINE BECKFORD’S debut season in the top flight has taught him to be patient.

The 27-year-old netted 10 times in all competitions after joining Everton from Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer.

Handed his debut by manager David Moyes in the opening game of the campaign at Blackburn Rovers in August, it took Beckford until November before he registered in the Premier League with the late equaliser against Bolton Wanderers.

His maiden season in a royal blue shirt has seen frustrating misses, late arrival to a game and a public dressing down by the manager after his substitution at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But a double-figure return in front of goal, capped off by the final day’s mesmerising slalom through the Chelsea defence means Beckford’s first year will be deemed a success by Everton.

The striker knows he must bide his time if he is to make himself the Goodison club’s first choice.

“It has really worked out,” he said.

“The facilities, the support, everything about the place – it is a really big club.