Jelavic Proud To Be A Blue

Croatian striker ready for challenge of playing for Everton.

Nikica Jelavic says he is ready for the challenge of playing for Everton.

The Croation international striker yesterday moved to Goodison Park from SPL champions Rangers in one of the biggest deadline day deals.

Jelavic has a prodigious scoring record in Scotland having notched 36 times in 55 appearances for the Glasgow giants.

His move to Merseyside ends manager David Moyes’ search for fresh firepower and the 26-year-old has vowed to do everything he can to repay his new manager’s faith in him.

“This is a big thing for me,” Jelavic told evertontv. “It is a new step in my career, a step forward and I can promise the fans and the people at the Club that I will give my very best and score as many goals as possible.

“I heard Everton were interested in me a few days ago and straight away I wanted to come here – it is a dream come true.

“Everton is a big Premier League club – maybe not having the best season so far – but always in the top eight or at least the top half.

“I am very excited to be here. It is a new challenge and hopefully I can play some good football, score some goals and win some trophies.”

Jelavic believes playing in Scotland will serve as the perfect apprenticeship for a career in England’s top flight with the Blues. He is also proud to follow in the footsteps of his international manager, Slaven Bilic, as a Croat Evertonian.

He said: “The SPL is not as high a level as here in England but it has helped me a lot and the difference is maybe not huge – I think I am ready for the challenge of playing in the Premier League.”

“I have not spoken to Bilic yet,” he added. “I know that he played here and obviously he is my national team manager. I will speak to him soon about all things Everton and I am really excited.”