Arouna Kone relishing first Merseyside derby experience with Everton

Everton striker Arouna Kone has yet to experience playing in a Merseyside derby.

An unused substitute in February's goalless draw at Goodison Park is the closest he has been to sampling what this local rivalry is all about after injury restricted him to just 22 first team appearances in his first two seasons with the club.

"Giving up never crossed my mind," he said, ahead of Sunday's Sky Live showdown against Liverpool.

"The thing that kept me going was I knew I had to prove myself at Everton. The settling in process was made more complicated and tougher by the fact that after two months here I was injured, so, the normal period where you're getting to know everyone was interrupted."

"I travelled a lot as part of my rehab. I went to Belgium to see a specialist quite a lot. I had injections in my knee in Barcelona. Going through all that emphasises how good you feel when you do reach full fitness."

I want to prove that I can bring something to this team and the best way you can do that is by trying to win a trophy.

Now into the last year of his contract, a situation he is not worried about, Kone finally feels a part of things within the Everton dressing room.

Where once he would spent a lot of time away from his team-mates, his character and personality are beginning to shine through, and he is also having an impact on the pitch.

Twice this season his goals have played an important part in an Everton comeback. On the first day of the season he grabbed the equaliser against Watford, while his leveller at West Brom set up the opportunity to snatch all three points.

"It's true that my contract is coming to an end but basically the motivation has always been to show everyone what I'm capable of as a player when I'm fully fit," he said.

"I can show that I'm not just an injury prone player, that I am worth something as a player and I do feel that I've still got something extra to offer.

"I want to prove that I can bring something to this team and the best way you can do that is by trying to win a trophy. Players are always remembered at clubs from seasons where teams have won things.

"Certainly when you're playing at a big club that's no exception. I think it would be nice to be remembered, come the end of the season, for having won something."

Kone was speaking on a visit to The Everton Free School where he joined pupils for PE, Maths, English and Science lessons, all in a week where he had been forced to learn a lesson of his own.

Booked for his goal celebration when he lifted up his shirt to show a birthday message to his wife, he has promised there will be no repeat even if he scores the winner against Liverpool.

"It would be a dream to score in a derby," he added. "It's a really important game for the club and important for the fans.

"But certainly If I do score it will be a different type of celebration. I suppose you can almost grant me that celebration as a one off... it would be ridiculous to get booked for the same thing three or four times a season. So, yeah, it's a one off, not to be repeated."

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