Arouna Kone keen to prove his worth to Everton after injury spell

Arouna Kone says he is keen to prove his worth to Everton next season after working his way back to fitness following a knee injury.

The striker was Roberto Martinez's first signing at Goodison Park but has failed to make an impact, making just 22 appearances in that time, with a knee ligament injury seeing him miss almost 14 months.

He made 16 appearances between December and the end of last season though following his return from injury, with a goal against Newcastle delighting fans. And now he says he is determined to prove himself at Goodison Park.

"Now it's all about this summer and this pre-season and making sure I set out as I mean to go on.

"The fans haven't been able to see me at my very best level but I hope I can get there next season and show them what I am about. I am hungry to do that and I want to prove I can cut it here.

"The fans and everyone around me have been really supportive and that's kept me going throughout the difficult months and I really want to repay those people now and use my performances to help push the team towards the top of the table where it deserves to be."

While his attitude is certainly commendable, there are still doubts about whether Kone is good enough to be successful for the Blues.

With Romelu Lukaku the undoubted first choice, he is unlikely to get the game time he needs to prove himself properly, with his mostly cameo appearances last season failing to set the world alight.

Indeed, many believe Everton still need another striker if they wish to properly compete with moves for several strikers having been mentioned. For the time being at least, Kone is number two and it is good to see he is raring to go regardless.