Source: Liverpool_Echo
Yakubu: Winning goal against Stoke was for Everton FC fans
Yakubu 300[LNB]YAKUBU dedicated his match-winning strike against Stoke to the Everton fans who stood by him through a six-month goalless spell.[LNB]The Nigerian forward struggled for form and fitness at the start of the season, following a disappointing individual World Cup campaign for his national team in South Africa.[LNB]But he has worked hard to rediscover his edge, and the 27-year-old capped another impressive display with a fine 67th minute goal to settle a tight contest in Everton's favour on Saturday.[LNB]With the Blues now unbeaten in five Premier League games and up to eighth in the table, Yakubu insisted they can begin to dream of European qualification once again.[LNB] He said: 'It's not going to be easy but we want to play in Europe next season. We're used to Europe and playing Wednesday and Sunday. But hopefully we can start picking up some points and get there again. There's a long way to go.[LNB]'It's been so, so long since I scored. The fans have been really, really good to me. They believe in me, even when I'm not scoring. I appreciate that and I dedicate my goal to the fans.[LNB]'It was tough. It's never easy playing Stoke. They have massive defenders, and fight for every ball, so it was a big three points.[LNB]'As a striker sometimes you have chances, which you have to take. I was there to score it and its been really good for me. It's given me more confidence and hopefully I'm going to score goals.[LNB]'I think my fitness is really good and better than last season. Hopefully I can help the lads achieve something this season as a team.'[LNB]Yakubu admitted he must maintain his fine form to keep his place in the team, with Louis Saha approaching full fitness again and Victor Anichebe edging closer to a return.
