Rovers Will Miss My Mate Yak

Victor Anichebe says Blackburn will miss Yakubu on Saturday.

In-form Everton striker Victor Anichebe believes Yakubu's suspension is a boost for the Blues ahead of Blackburn's visit to Goodison on Saturday.

Yakubu moved from Goodison to Ewood Park at the end of the last transfer window and his goals have been one of few positives during a torrid season for Rovers.

Previously he had spent time on loan in the Championship at Leicester, having struggled to regain his best form at Everton following a serious Achilles injury.

But the Yak will be unavailable to play against his old teammates as a result of a red card against Fulham last weekend.

"It's a blow for Blackburn, but it's great for us," said Anichebe, who remains close to his compatriot. "Yak's been in great form this season.

Victor Anichebe celebrates his late winner at West Brom

"He was saying how he was looking forward to coming back and playing against us. He was saying he was going to bully Sylvain!"

Anichebe, who has goals against West Brom and Aston Villa already this month, also revealed how he took advice from his fellow Nigerian when making his return from injury.

"I've been talking to him when I was just coming back and saying how I wanted to try and emulate him and how he's getting so many goals," continued the 23-year-old powerhouse.

"He's a great friend to me, so it's sad that he's missing the game but it's great for us."

Following his own recent injury troubles, Anichebe explained he is now solely remaining focused on staying fit.

"My knees are fine, it's just trying to get over all the stuff that's happened to me in the past. It's not nice being injured," he added.

"The main thing for me is to stay on the pitch. That's what we get paid to do, what our fans come to watch us do, so that's all I want to do now."