Everton Football Club’s Steven Pienaar has spoken of his disappointment over Yakubu’s injury.

The Nigerian international is out for the rest of the season after his suffering an Achilles injury at the weekend, and Pienaar admits this is a huge blow for the Toffees.

"It's a huge blow to lose Yak and we are all so sorry for him," he told the Liverpool Echo. "We know the quality he has got and the type of person he is.

"His presence alone in the team gives the players a boost, so it is really unfortunate for him to pick up an injury like this when we are not even halfway through the season.

"I spoke to Yak at half-time and he was really down. Maybe the win and the goal will have given him a little bit of lift. We hope he is better again quickly."