Wednesday 17 December 2014 13:13, UK
Romelu Lukaku is determined to spearhead Everton’s drive for their first major trophy since 1995, writes Sky Sports News’ Peter Stevenson.
Lukaku, the 21-year-old club record signing, was speaking after Roberto Martinez’s side continued to pick up Premier League momentum by beating QPR on Monday night.
But it has been a long wait for silverware at Goodison - something that the Belgium striker is well aware of.
"I am the first to say that I want to win something. As players, we have to stay focused and work hard, and hopefully try and win some silverware at the end of the season," he said.
Everton’s next league game is a trip to Southampton, suddenly struggling to find form after five successive defeats. Then comes a busy Christmas programme, with fixtures against Stoke, Newcastle and Hull.
Lukaku believes there is growing confidence under Martinez that the players can now put together some impressive results and climb the Premier League table. They’re currently 10th - just above neighbours Liverpool - and seven points off the top four.
But already, thoughts are turning to Europe and two games against Young Boys of Switzerland in the last 32 of the Europa League in February and maybe, just maybe, a European showdown against Liverpool.
For now though, 80 Everton ladies at a club lunch were content to sit and listen to the quietly spoken Lukaku, who revealed a love of book reading and hip hop music.
Everton’s number 10 also impressed the audience with his knowledge of five languages - soon to become six as he starts to get to grips with the Scouse accent!
And the £28million man made one teenage volunteer’s day by making a surprise presentation to Hannah McClennan works in her community and is seen an inspirational figure.
Her award was the latest in a series of 'Blue Hero' nominations handed out by Everton this Christmas.
And it will need heroic Lukaku performances on the pitch if the second half of Everton’s season is to become another memorable chapter in the club’s long history.
