Jelavic lauds Everton start

Everton striker Nikica Jelavic admits he is surprised at how quickly he has managed to adapt to life in the Premier League.

Croatian striker anticipated tough start to Premier League life

Everton striker Nikica Jelavic admits he is surprised at how quickly he has managed to adapt to life in the Premier League. Toffees boss David Moyes bolstered his goal-shy attack on the final day of the January transfer window with the £5.5m capture of the Croatian international from financially-stricken SPL side Rangers. And the 26-year-old made an instant impression by bagging 11 goals in 16 matches to lift Everton to their final position of seventh. Now he has set his sights on becoming even more prolific next season after paying tribute to his Toffees team-mates.

Problems

"When I signed for Everton I was sure that I would have some problems with the English league which is harder than the Scottish one,"Jelavic, who is preparing to represent his country at Euro 2012, told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. "I didn't know what to expect. I was a little bit afraid that I might have some problems, but that was not the case. "Everything is just great - my first season at Everton couldn't be better. "I have to say thanks to my team-mates. When I came here I immediately felt like we had known each other for many years. "I signed a four-year deal and I don't think about going anywhere else. "I want to become even better and I want to score even more goals next season."