TURNING out for a Scottish manager in a blue kit for a team that keeps on winning, Steven Naismith must feel as though he never left Rangers.
Such has been the introduction to life at Everton for the Scotland international attacker.
Victories over Manchester United and Aston Villa have left the Goodison outfit on the brink of an all-too-rare achievement when they visit West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Only twice since winning the championship in 1969-70 have Everton won their opening three Premier League games, the most recent being at the beginning of the 1993-94 campaign. That they were nearly relegated that year indicates a good start doesn’t automatically mean a successful season.
How refreshing, though, that David Moyes’s side have for once hit the ground running rather than being left to play catch-up come Christmas.
It has certainly helped ease Naismith into life in English football, the 25-year-old given a late run-out against United before being handed a full Everton debut in the 3-1 win at Villa Park last Saturday.
“I have had a great start to life at Everton,” he says. “I knew that when I was signing that I was coming to a quality squad and the boys who have played in the first two games have shown that with their performances and have got two deservedly good wins.
“I felt good in pre-season and the more game time I get, the better and sharper I’ll get. The league is just fitter down here. The squads are fitter and bigger and stronger and that’s what you have got to adapt to. It’s going to take time but I’m glad to get the opportunity.
“I’m playing in the best league in the world and if I’m training with the quality of guys you have seen in the last two games then it will definitely improve me as a player, and that is all you can ask for.”
