Everton striker Victor Anichebe is desperate to play a part in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool this weekend.
The Nigerian missed out on his side’s run to the final in 2009 after sustaining a serious knee injury earlier in the campaign.
Although the Toffees
were beaten by Chelsea in the showpiece final, Anichebe has fond
memories of the Wembley experience that year, and is relishing the
prospect of being involved in Saturday’s semi-final date with Liverpool.
He told reporters,
“Everyone wants to be part of Wembley, whether you’re playing, on the
bench or just cheering on the squad. We had a good squad who missed out
last time with injuries.”
Anichebe came off the
bench to bag the fourth goal in his side’s 4-0 demolition of Sunderland
on Monday, taking his tally to six goals in 14 apperances this season.
The win was Everton’s
fourth in their last five Premier League outings and the 23-year-old has
praised boss David Moyes for ensuring that the players retained their
focus in the run-up to Wembley.
“Everyone’s buzzing but I think the manager and the coaching staff have done a really good job,” he added.
“We had to get these two
games out of the way and if everyone was thinking about Wembley I don’t
think we would have won 4-0 or had a good result against Norwich.”
Although Liverpool
remain the bookies’ favourites ahead of the semi-final clash, Everton
have climbed above their bitter rivals in the league table following the
Reds’ recent struggles on the pitch.
Anichebe, however,
believes that his side’s superior form will count for nothing ahead of
Saturday’s showdown with Kenny Dalglish’s men.
“That doesn’t matter at all,” he said. “It’s a derby. It’s going to be crazy.
“I grew up in Liverpool.
All my friends, red and blue, can’t wait for the game. Everyone I know
is trying to get to the game, begging me for tickets.
“I think it’s a great
thing for the city, for both teams to reach the semi-final and whatever
happens I’m sure both teams will do the city proud.”
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