Jela's Happy Knack

Predatory instincts make Croat envy of his rivals, says Osman.

Nikica Jelavic’s predatory instincts make him the envy of rival strikers, says teammate Leon Osman.

The Croatian netted for the third time in two games during Saturday's 2-2 draw at Wigan, improving his tally for Everton to 15 goals in just 19 starts.

A back-post header, Jelavic's strike was the latest in a long line of nerveless lessons in impulsive movement and clinical finishing.

And Osman says it's no coincidence the 27-year-old is so consistent in adding to his haul.

"He finds himself in the right position which is vital if you're a striker," Osman told evertontv. "Some strikers can be great at finishing but might not find themselves where the ball lands. Thankfully for us Jela's got that knack and we hope he keeps it up."

Osman also paid tribute to left-back Leighton Baines after his empathically dispatched penalty secured Everton's point with just three minutes remaining.

"For Bainesy to stand firm and put it right in the corner and not really give him [Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi] a chance was fantastic confidence from him and we're made up with that.

"You couldn't say we didn't deserve a point. We went behind twice and managed to pull it back both times but I don't think anyone would have been surprised if we'd stuck a few more goals in.

"There were plenty of chances at both ends of the pitch to be honest so it was probably a good game for the neutral. We're probably a little bit disappointed we didn't win it but we didn't get beat and that was important."