VICTOR ANICHEBE is praying his injury nightmare is over – and has vowed to start repaying the faith shown by Everton manager David Moyes.

Anichebe admits he suffered the lowest point of his career when he missed the opening four months of last season with an ankle injury suffered in pre-season.

This summer has been more productive with the Nigeria international netting in Everton’s 3-1 win over DC United in Washington on Saturday.

It prompted praise from Moyes, who believes the striker can prove a major asset should he retain his fitness.

And Anichebe (below) is determined to finally make an emphatic mark more than five years after making his debut.

“Last season I felt so good in pre-season and I got injured right towards the end of pre-season,” said the 23-year-old.

“I think I took that one a lot harder that when I got injured off the tackle from (Kevin) Nolan.

“I thought I was doing really well, I felt fit and strong and then I got injured – it was a bitter blow to swallow but I had good friends, family and the manager who showed a lot of faith in me.

“Sometimes you need to take your mind away from football, it’s our job and we love it but there’s a lot more to think about, it puts things into perspective when you’re injured, it helps you learn.

“I pray that the injuries are past me and that I can show what I’m capable of.”

Anichebe has been utilised both up front and on the flank already this pre-season, having impressed on the right of midfield for the first team in recent years.