The Nigerian international has netted just once in the last 10 matches, leaving him one goal short of becoming the first Everton player since Peter Beardsley in 1991/92 to score 20 goals in a campaign.

But Yakubu is confident his scoring touch will return in the final key matches against Arsenal on Sunday and Newcastle United on the last day of the season.

He said: "We did so well against Aston Villa at the weekend, with defenders chipping in with both our goals.

"We played as a team and fought for each other. We are disappointed that we didn't get the three points that would have almost certainly secured fifth spot, but we got one point and we are getting closer.

"I still believe before the end of the season our strikers can score goals in the last two games. We are under pressure when we don't score but I am used to being under pressure.

"I will keep working and I still believe I can score the goals to take us into Europe, and me to 20 for the season."