Everton striker Nikica Jelavic hoping goals will flow after Sunderland winner

Everton striker Nikica Jelavic hopes his weekend winner against Sunderland has re-opened the floodgates.

The Croatian hitman settled instantly at Goodison Park last season, with a January switch from Rangers proving to be a sound investment by the Toffees. Jelavic hit 11 goals in just 16 appearances during the second half of the 2011/12 campaign, but has found the going a little tougher this term. He is now a marked man, with opposition defences aware of the considerable threat he poses. Jelavic has still been able to net on a regular basis, but he is looking to build on a crucial strike on Saturday and embark on another goal rush.

"For a striker, it is always important to score for confidence and for the fans and the team as well, so I hope I can score many more for them," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"Obviously I am pleased to score, but the most important thing was the three points. It was a tough game, with them scoring in the last minute of the first half.

"We were better in the second half and scored two quick goals, so in the end I think we deserved the victory."