Yak set for swift return

Everton striker working hard this week

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 25th September 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Yak set for swift return

Yakubu: In contention

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Yakubu Aiyegbeni is pushing to return to the Everton starting line-up against Sheffield Wednesday.

The striker was dropped by David Moyes for Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa after the manager felt he had not been working hard enough.

Yakubu was training with other players not involved at Villa Park on Monday but has reacted well to the criticism aimed in his direction.

Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine has confirmed Yakubu has given himself a chance of earning back his starting spot on Wednesday.

Committed

"He has responded really well to being left out, and that's what you hope for from players," said Irvine.

"We are a hard-working team, and we need all of our players to do a very committed and totally honest job when they are out there.

"We also ask them to do not only their own job, but to help other people out as well."