Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that striker Nikica Jelavic needs to continue working hard in order to bounce back into the first team.

The Croatia international has slipped down the rankings following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea in the summer.

"Niki is a top player and he's desperate to be on the pitch, but every top class player wants to be at a top class football club, and to do that you need to be able to cope with competition and high demands," the Liverpool Echo quotes Martinez as saying.

"His attitude has been a 10 out of 10 and that's why when a player comes on as a sub he makes a big difference and the team benefits."

When the 28-year-old has been on the pitch, he has struggled in front of goal, failing to score in five appearances so far this season.

Written by
Danielle Joynson