Forward Steven Naismith is disappointed to have been left out of Everton’s starting lineup in their opening two English Premier League games, but the Scotland international is ready to wait for his opportunity.
Naismith scored seven goals in 31 league games last season and felt he had done enough to break into the first team, but was only used as a late substitute by manager Roberto Martinez.
“I was disappointed not to start in the game against Watford, but then you look at the boys who scored and done well and accept that and bide your time,” he was quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.
Photo: AFP
“Last season, I felt I contributed a lot to the squad. The first year with a new manager you do need to prove yourself, but I think I have done that and shown my worth to the team,” he added.
Naismith is well aware of the fact that he faces tough competition for a place up front with teammate Romelu Lukaku in fine form and scoring a brace in the club’s 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.
“The boys who have been playing up front have been doing well,” Naismith said. “It is down to me to work hard and wait for the opportunity to come.”
“If I feel I have not been treated right then I will speak up, but it is down to boys doing well and scoring goals, so you are not going to take those boys out of the side,” he added.
Naismith hopes teammate John Stones, who has been heavily linked with a move to champions Chelsea, stays at the club.
“We definitely want him to stay — he is a fantastic guy and footballer, and a mainstay in our team,” Naismith told Sky Sports. “You want your best players to be here to hopefully continue bringing success to Everton.”
The former Rangers player has also been working on his coaching qualifications to see if he could take a crack at management after retirement.
“I am doing my B-Licence at the moment. but I would not say I have a massive draw that I want to be a coach or a manager,” Naismith said. “I am doing it more to get the experience to see if I do like it and if it is something I would like to do.”
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