Jelavic reveals Toffees Euro aim

Published: Friday, 3. February, 2012 in category Everton

Nikica Jelavic hopes he can score the goals to help bring European football back to Everton following his deadline day switch to Goodison Park.

Jelavic: Has Euro vision for Everton

The Croatia international, signed from Rangers for a reported £5.5million, is keen to be involved against Wigan on Saturday.

But the longer-term aim the 26-year-old has set is to return the club to the European stage.

"Europe is something special and we need to play well if we want to get there, but everyone among the players wants to play in Europe," he said.

"I know Everton have not scored much this season but I don't feel the pressure, I like a challenge.

"I will do my best to score many goals. I am always looking to be better every day and my ambitions are to play well and to be useful for the team and score as many goals as possible.

"Playing in Scotland helped me a lot and I think I am ready.

"The Premier League is something on a higher level and I hope it will be good for me. I don't think I will need time to settle."

Fellow deadline-day signing Steven Pienaar is also hoping to have an impact, having returned to the club he left a year ago on loan from Tottenham.

The South Africa international has made just seven appearances this season, only two of those in the Premier League and both as substitute.

But, having followed in the footsteps of American Landon Donovan in returning to the club on loan, he hopes he can have as much impact as the Los Angeles Galaxy forward.

"You have to look at someone to inspire you and you only have to see what Landon Donovan has done in the last couple of games and I hope to be able to do the same," he said.

Pienaar said he needed little persuasion to return to a club where he had three good years, especially as he still has so many friends at Goodison Park.

"The surroundings are important - I didn't have to go somewhere where I had to get used to the people," he said.

"A few players have come in and gone so I think the gaffer is building a strong team for the future.

"Myself and Leighton Baines had a good understanding on the field and even when I was at Spurs we were still talking.

"It it is not only on the field but off the field you must have a connection with your colleagues and that is why I think it worked out so well first time.

"Hopefully we will do well this season and get a European spot."