Premier League: Everton's Steven Naismith feels he belongs at Goodison Park

Steven Naismith has admitted he ‘felt a bit inferior’ when he joined Everton but he is now fully settled at the club and determined to maintain his strong form.

The Scotland international was brought to Goodison Park by David Moyes in 2012 following five years with Rangers, and admits it took some time to adapt to life in the Premier League. 

However, he began to flourish under Roberto Martinez last term and has started the new campaign well, scoring in all three of Everton’s Premier League games so far. 

“When I first moved I definitely felt a bit inferior,” Naismith said in the Liverpool Echo.

“It’s been a problem for Scots boys in the past and I was the same. Looking around the squad you think to yourself, ‘should I be here?’ But as you get more comfortable with the lads on and off the field things begin to go for you. I feel I belong here now.”

Naismith credits Martinez for helping him to fulfil his potential and hopes to carry on making a vital contribution for Everton. 

“It has been a good start to the season for me,” said the 27-year-old. “I enjoyed my pre-season and I’ve managed to kick on from there. I’ve managed to score a few goals.

“I started off pre-season as the striker but since then I’ve dropped a little deeper into the hole.

“I haven’t done anything different at all. I’m just another year older and another year wiser.

“I’m more familiar with surroundings and I’m settled. The last six to eight months of last season I played well and in almost every game.

“I’ve been lucky enough to kick on. It’s down to confidence. That comes from the manager who allows me to express myself.

“He knows my best position and he’s given me my chance there. He knows I can get up and down the pitch but if I play wider I maybe lose aspects of my game. 

“I grew up as a striker and he knows I still have a knack of getting in the box. He knows I will defend for the team but he still gives me the freedom going forward.”