Source: Daily_Mail
Jermaine Beckford wants to keep following in the footsteps of Ian Wright
Jermaine Beckford's whirlwind rise to the top bears a strikingresemblance to that of his boyhood hero Ian Wright. And the new Evertonman doesn't want the comparisons to end there.[LNB]Beckford only made the move into league football four years ago aged 22, after Leeds United took a punt the hot-shot finisher while he was at lowly Wealdstone.[LNB]Similarly, Arsenal legend Wright was 22 when he jumped up from non-league. He went on to win League and European titles with Arsenal, as well as 33 England caps.[LNB] Jermaine man: Beckford earned his summer move to the Premier League by helping fire Leeds up from League One[LNB]Beckford transferred his fine goalscoring form from the lower leagues to Leeds United and earned his summer move to Everton having helped fire the Elland Road club into the Championship.[LNB]Boyhood hero: Ian Wright only moved up from non-League football at the age of 22 but became an Arsenal legend[LNB]He said: 'Ian Wright was one of my favourite players because he cameinto the game quite late and he managed to achieve a lot in therelatively short time he was playing,' he told the Liverpool Echo.[LNB]'I was 15 when I went to Chelsea and was there for about a year. Then I went to non-league and playing for Sunday league clubs. I went to Wealdstone and scored quite a few goals and I was noticed. Then Leeds took an opportunity, they took a chance.[LNB]'I know I've now got to carry on working hard, carry on learning and keep my eyes and ears open. Hopefully soon I'll get my chance. It's another big step up and I'm just grateful I've got an opportunity to work with the management and players we have here.'[LNB]Beckford will take confidence from his appearances in last season'sFA Cup where, against both Manchester United and Tottenham, he was thestandout performer. [LNB]He added: 'When I play football my aim is just to score goals.That's what I get paid to do. Playing against teams like ManchesterUnited when you're from a lower league team you have nothing to loseand nothing to prove to anybody so you just go for it. To score goalsis instinctive for me.'[LNB] Step up: Beckford doesn't fear the next level having shone against Manchester United and Tottenham in the FA Cup[LNB]Despite his eagerness to get started Beckford may miss out on the chance to make his Everton bow on Saturday.[LNB]The Toffees are currently on tour in Australia but a slight legcomplaint is likely to prevent Beckford from featuring against SydneyFC.[LNB]Captain Phil Neville is also out as he continues recovery from knee surgery he had in May. [LNB]'We've got a few players who might not play,' said manager DavidMoyes. 'Phil Neville is carrying his knee injury so he won't beconsidered and we've got two or three others that I'll make a decisionabout on Saturday.[LNB]'So we could be without three or four of our players but none of them are serious.' [LNB] Lower league goal king Beckford confident of making splash at EvertonEverton weighing up move for Argentina playmaker Pablo AimarBeckford insists: I can fire the goals to make Everton a Premier League force Leighton Baines boost for Everton as defender signs new long-term dealEVERTON FC
