Anichebe hopeful on fitness

Striker recovering well from hip problem

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th March 2008

Victor Anichebe

Anichebe: Could be fit for Saturday

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Everton forward Victor Anichebe believes he could be fit for the Premier League clash with West Ham on Saturday.

Anichebe sat out the 1-0 defeat to Fulham with a jarred hip but has been receiving intensive treatment this week and is hoping to give manager David Moyes a fitness boost.

"It is getting better. I will have to see about the weekend but hopefully I can be fit because we need everybody fit for the last few games," the 19-year-old told Everton's official website.

"It has been a problem for a while now and it has been coming and going."

Andrew Johnson is also doubtful after being forced off in only the 14th minute against Fulham, and Anichebe realises the importance of the game as Everton look to stay in touch with fourth-placed Liverpool.

He said: "As soon as AJ was coming off I was gutted because that would have been my chance to get a game but that is just the way football is. I will get another opportunity and I will take it when it comes.

"Everyone is really pleased this year and we are in a really good position. Hopefully we can push for that fourth place but fifth is not a bad place to be, although obviously we are pushing for the best."

Easier

Leighton Baines, meanwhile, has revealed that he is thriving on the pressure of fighting for a place in the top four.

This time last season the left-back was battling relegation with Wigan and he concedes it is much more satisfying to be at the other end of the table.

He said: "It's an easier pressure this because it's fighting to achieve something and to get somewhere.

"When you're down at the bottom and not getting results it's frustrating, whereas here we're just off the back of a couple of defeats but most weekends we're getting the results that we need.

"I think that coming towards the end of the season, every game counts for everybody.

"West Ham is a massive game and our home record is pretty good so hopefully we can get back to winning ways."