Anichebe relishing role as ‘super sub’

VICTOR ANICHEBE is relishing his role as Everton’s European ‘super-sub’ after Brann Bergen became the latest opponents to be torpedoed by the teen sensation.

The 19-year-old hit his fourth goal in six UEFA Cup games last night to put the Toffees within touching distance of the last 16.

Each of Anichebe’s strikes has come in the final five minutes of matches following his second-half introduction from the bench.

The latest, in Wednesday night’s 2-0 first-leg victory in Norway, sealed a club record six straight European wins and has left Everton fans dreaming of those golden years in the 1980s when the Toffees lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

The Nigerian-born youngster, who was raised in Liverpool, said: “I am just enjoying the moment. It is great to see the team winning in Europe and me being able to help and play a part.

“I understand what the manager is doing and how he is using me in games. I have power and strength and I get on when opponents are tired. I hope we can continue to do that.

“But I am pleased to be able to contribute the way that I am. I am just pleased to be playing a part.

“I am not really happy to be sitting on the bench, I want to be playing. But I understand the situation. Everyone is doing well and the team is benefiting from this tactic.

“I am just glad to be contributing, and personally improving with every game so that when the time comes for me to start matches I will be ready.”

Everton are odds-on favourites to complete the job against the Norwegian champions at Goodison Park next Thursday, which will further revive memories of the 80s team skippered by Kevin Ratcliffe who was a guest of the club for yesterday’s trip and he must have been impressed by David Moyes’ side, in particular Anichebe’s goalscoring contribution after Leon Osman had opened the scoring.

Veteran midfielder Lee Carsley is hugely impressed by what he is seeing from Anichebe, saying: “Victor is outstanding when he comes on, he’s a fantastic goal threat and we are using him in a very important way. He terrorises people. Considering his age, he is a fantastic player for the club for years to come.

“We expect him to score when he comes on like that and he has got to keep doing that. He has a great impact.”