Everton FC’s John Heitinga desperate to win fitness battle to face Portsmouth at Goodison

Johnny Heitinga 300JOHN HEITINGA is desperate to win his fitness battle to play a part in Everton's final game of the season against Portsmouth at Goodison on Sunday.The Dutch utility man has missed the last three matches after suffering a hairline fracture on his ankle in last month's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.Heitinga has proved a major hit following his £6million move from Atletico Madrid last summer and wants to help ensure the Blues finish their campaign on a high in front of a 40,000 sell-out crowd.'I wasn't happy when I was told I had to rest my injury because I want to play,' he said.'I am hoping I can return for Sunday's game so we will have to see before the game.'It's been a good season for me. It is a very different league here but I think it is perfect for us and the way we play.'We all love playing for Everton and we enjoy it here at the club.'I will be at Goodison for the final game to thank the fans. I hope I am on the pitch and not watching from the stands.'Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini has given Everton a boost by declaring he hopes to be back in action before the start of next season.The Belgian midfielder has been sidelined since he suffered an ankle injury in the Merseyside derby in February.After undergoing surgery it was feared Fellaini would need around seven months to recover but the 22-year-old is on course for an early return.'I am feeling much better now,' he said.'The first month and second month were difficult for me but now it is better.'I should be back running in the next month then I should be able to do ball work. I hope that by July I will be back playing with the team.'I am hoping I will be back in time for pre-season. We thought it may be September when I return but I really hope I can start the league with the rest of the team in August.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo