VICTOR ANICHEBE admits he is desperate to break his derby duck against Liverpool on Sunday.
The 24-year-old striker is yet to net against Everton’s local rivals, and believes derby goals are the benchmark of any Goodison centre forward.
He suffered a head injury during Sunday’s draw with QPR, but Anichebe could keep his place in the side against Brendan Rodger’s men, with Steven Pienaar’s absence meaning David Moyes must re-shuffle his attacking options.
Although as much as the Nigerian international covets personal glory in the 219th derby, he insists three points is more important as the Blues look to stay in the Premier League’s top four.
He said: “I was thinking about the fact that I haven’t scored against Liverpool recently. I really want to change that – it would mean a lot to me. Scoring is always nice no matter who it’s against but against Liverpool would be extra special.
“It’d be nice for me and the fans. Jela has done it and many of Everton’s best centre forwards over the years can say they’ve done it. More important though is that we win. That’s be perfect for us.”
Evertonians are still waiting for official confirmation that influential midfielder Marouane Fellaini will be fit to face Liverpool, but his team-mate for club and country Kevin Mirallas is confident the 24-year-old will return.
“I think he will be playing on Sunday,” said Mirallas. “He is a fantastic player and when he’s not there it’s harder for the team to get good results.
“It’s also good to have Marouane available because he is scary for the other team. People in the opposition fear him. It will be really important for him to play. He would be a psychological asset.”
