Dec 022014
 

Everton FC are ready to take out their “hurt” on Hull City tomorrow night as they seek a quick recovery from their defeat at Spurs, says Roberto Martinez.

The Toffees boss felt his side were hard done by in North London on Sunday, when they surrendered an early lead to lose 2-1 at White Hart Lane.

That clash followed a testing trip to Germany, which the Blues passed with flying colours by winning Europa League Group H courtesy of a 2-0 victory.

The set-back which followed however, meant Everton moved back down to 10th in the Premier League, and despite knowing the Tigers will be a threat, Martinez wants his team to make up for lost ground.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez (left) and Tottenham Hotspur Mauricio Pochettino before game VIEW GALLERY

“We were hurt on Sunday,” he said. “We deserved better and we’re desperate to be surrounded by our fans again and give everything we’ve got. We know what we’re facing with Hull – they’re a very tough team.

“Last season they came to Goodison and pressed us very high with a dynamic, energetic performance. They know how to go away and perform well. The scorelines haven’t reflected how good they are. They were unfortunate to lose at Spurs, got a very good draw at Anfield and were a minute from beating Arsenal at the Emirates.

“They haven’t lost anything from last season but thy have added quality so we know how tough they will be.”

Martinez had plenty of praise too for Hull’s experienced manager. “I played for Steve Bruce – that’s how long he’s been a manager,” he added. “He’s a great character; a very reliable man with terrific man-management.

“If you look at how many clubs he’s managed and how well he’s done – he’s a top manager.”

As he plans his squad for this evening, Martinez was delighted to see Bryan Oviedo and Arouna Kone get through 90 and 75 minutes respectively for Everton Under-21s at Goodison on Monday.

The pair, who were both listed as over-age players, scored in a 3-2 victory over Sunderland in front of the watching Everton manager.

Oviedo has not featured for the first-team since the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in October after undergoing a procedure to remove a screw from the leg he broke at Stevenage at the start of the year.

But after witnessing him complete the full game against the Black Cats at Goodison, Martinez says the Costa Rican is very close to a return.

Martinez said: “I think Bryan is such a naturally fit boy that we were expecting him to play for 60 or 70 minutes but in the end he has cruised through the full 90.

“It shows you where he is physically. I expect Bryan to be fully fit now and be able to participate in the games.”

Martinez (right), however, says he must take more caution with Kone, who has not been involved in a Premier League match for 13 months due to a serious knee injury.

“Match fitness is a difficult aspect to work on because he has been out for a year,” added the Everton manager. “He has played 45 minutes and now 75 minutes so he is very close to having an impact in the first-team.

“Arouna, being a striker, I think it is easier for him to grow into the games, play a part and have more minutes. We will have to be a little bit patient because you have to keep in mind that he has been out for a long, long time.

“But he looked really strong yesterday. His hold-up play was very good, he was clinical in front of goal and it was very pleasing.”
Once the Ivorian is ready to hit the ground running, Martinez predicts he will have some formidable options in attack.

“To have a player of his quality – with Samuel Eto’o and Romelu Lukaku – is very good,” he said. “They’re three different strikers with a lot of quality.

“It will be an important aspect of our squad. The last game against Krasnodar will give him an opportunity.”

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