Everton manager David Moyes wants defender Phil Jagielka to fill the void left by Marouane Fellaini.
The Belgian will serve a three game ban for his head-butt on Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross, leaving a gaping hole in the Toffees’ attacking set-up.
Fellaini has been key for the Merseysiders this term, contributing goals and assists from a more advanced position.
Moyes is aware that the midfielder will be missed, and has singled out England international Jagielka as the man to step up in his absence.
The 30-year-old is far from prolific – scoring just six times for Everton in 190 games – but he feels that he can take inspiration from his manager, who had a superior conversion rate in his playing days:
“Obviously the gaffer was a centre-half himself, who always tried to score goals, so he’s always giving us plenty of stick about not getting more,” he is quoted by The Mirror.
“I don’t know how many he scored, but sometimes it’s ‘do as I say not do as I do’!
“But we’re a team and it’s not just down to the forward players.
“If I can chip in with a couple of goals as well, that hopefully might help us.”
Although it’s only a short-term measure, Moyes will be aware that Fellaini could leave the club in the near future, meaning he will need an adequate plan in place.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with switches to Chelsea and Arsenal.