Scotland international struggled to hold down a regular first-team spot in his first year at Goodison but has flourished under Martinez
Steven Naismith has been hailed as Everton FC’s “find of the season” after going from bit-part player to key-man.
The Scotland international struggled to hold down a regular first-team spot in his first year at Goodison, but has flourished under Roberto Martinez with nine goals so far this term.
Martinez has been thrilled with the 27-year-old's contribution, and reckons his intelligent approach has helped fuel the Toffees chase for fourth place.
He said: “I do believe that Steven Naismith has been the find of the season in terms of the level of performance he has brought to the side in that central position.
“We've seen the player that we all saw at Kilmarnock, emerging as an incredibly bright young footballer. He then went to Rangers and became a match-winner.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 30, 2014: Everton's Steven Naismith celebrates scoring the first goal against Fulham during the Premiership match at Craven Cottage.
“He is enjoying his football and works extremely hard and he is one of the brightest footballing brains I have ever worked with.
“He is someone that can take information and execute it down to perfection and he has been a real strong character in the dressing room, bringing those strong attributes to the group.”
Meanwhile Bryan Oviedo has revealed further evidence of his astonishing recovery from the double-leg break he suffered in January.
The Blues left-back is determined to play for Costa Rica in this summer’s World Cup, despite the set-back which would have caused many to abandon any hopes of being match-fit by June.
However, the defender tweeted a video of himself yesterday volleying a ball thrown to him as he moved from side to side on a gym mat at Finch Farm.
Everton's Bryan Oviedo in action against West Bromwich Albion during the Premiership match at the Hawthorns.
Oviedo, 24, has stunned coaches at Everton with his commitment to recovering, and has previously been described as “remarkable” by his club manager after he tweeted another video showing him cycling on an exercise bike without any cast just a month after his horrific set-back.
The former FC Copenhagen full-back fractured the tibia and fibula bones in his left leg during the Blues’ FA Cup victory over Stevenage on January 25.
Source: Echo
