Ronald Koeman: 'Romelu Lukaku back to his best after reaching full fitness'

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has backed Romelu Lukaku to pick up from where he left off against Middlesbrough this weekend after his impressive hat-trick at Sunderland last time out.

The Belgium international ended a disappointing run in front of goal, stretching back six months to March, when putting the Black Cats to the sword in a 3-0 victory for his side.

Lukaku had been struggling with his fitness after competing for his national side at Euro 2016 in the summer, but Koeman believes that his Stadium of Light treble proves that the ex-Chelsea striker is now fully up to speed.

"The offensive side of the team on Monday was great, much better in the second half," he told reporters. "For the team performance, don't make an eight and next week a four. But of course it's football.

"One day, you play better than the other. But if we talk about Lukaku, he is 23 years old. He did not have the pre-season he needed to be 100%. Now he is 100%.

"It's always a boost. Strikers live for scoring. Lukaku is always a scoring player. But we need to support the boy to give him the chances to score."

Lukaku scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season for Everton and laid on a further six assists for teammates.