Everton striker Victor Anichebe has said that he believes he can finally earn a regular first-team place this season.

The 24-year-old has had persistent injury problems during his time at Goodison Park, playing just 38 times in the Premier League for Everton over the last three seasons.

Anichebe thinks he is finally free of niggles and cannot wait to get going this season.

He told the club's official website: "Hopefully this year I can cement a place. I think I need to be starting games now. Maybe if it wasn't for my injuries, I already would be and I'd be fit all the time.

"Everton have always been good to me, when I have come back from injury, they've brought me in gradually.

"Hopefully people will see more of that now and I can start starting more games and put all my injuries behind me, I pray to God that I do anyway. Everything from there will be fine, I'm sure."

Anichebe will begin his claim to lead the line for Everton on a regular basis in their opening Premier League match against Manchester United on August 20.