Naismith to build on first goal

Steven Naismith has expressed his delight at getting off the mark for Everton but knows he will have to keep working hard.

Last Updated: 30/10/12 at 09:35 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Next Permanent Everton Manager. Click here to bet.

Steven Naismith enjoys his goal against Liverpool.

Steven Naismith enjoys his goal against Liverpool.

Steven Naismith has expressed his delight at getting off the mark for Everton but knows he will have to keep working hard to establish himself in the team.

The Scotland international, a summer signing from Rangers, scored his first goal for the club in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

He has had to wait patiently for opportunities since arriving at Goodison Park but now hopes to push on and go from strength to strength.

"At least I'm off the mark now for Everton and I can build on it," he said. "This first period is about settling in and getting used to the training.

"I never came expecting to play every week. But I work hard every day to get back to where I was before and this was just another step towards that."

Liverpool were unhappy about having to settle for a draw after having a late goal disallowed, but Naismith believes Everton were due some good luck.

He said: "We've been on the other side of that a few times this season - Newcastle at Goodison and Wigan away - when decisions went against us. Over the course of the season, it measures itself out."

Everton lost Kevin Mirallas to injury at half-time against Liverpool, and Naismith admits it became harder to create opportunities without the in-form Belgian.

"Kevin was our main direct threat in the derby in terms of driving at defenders and it showed with the amount of chances he was creating for himself and others," he explained.

"Losing him at half-time in the game was a blow, but Liverpool changed their system in the second half as well and it became a bit scrappy with a lot of fouls - the game kept getting stopped which didn't help.

"Looking back, there was some great play from us too - switching sides and with Kevin being a massive threat creating chances.

"When you've got guys like Kevin, Felli [Marouane Fellaini] and Jelavic, you know they're going to put the ball in there and it gives us a chance to gamble on being on the end of it."


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