Marathon Man Pienaar Ready For Villa

by Matthew Gamble

Steven Pienaar insists he will be fresh for Everton's remaining games.

The South African was replaced after 70 minutes of the 4-0 win over Wigan after a global travel marathon during the recent international break.

Pienaar flew back to his homeland to help them win the Nelson Mandela Challenge with a victory over Norway, before heading to Switzerland with his countrymen to take on Portugal.

After the 2-0 defeat in Lausanne, he travelled back to Merseyside to prepare for the arrival of Steve Bruce's side.

And after being withdrawn 20 minutes before the final whistle, Pienaar has now declared he is in prime condition going into this season's remaining games.

He told evertonTV: "I had to get used to playing three games in a week and travelling almost 18 hours so it was quite difficult - but I will be fresh.

"It takes a lot because you have to fly there, it takes almost 11 hours, then play the game, then fly back and there is all the bus travel as well, so it is quite hard but we are all professionals and it comes with the job."

The former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund playmaker believes the resounding win over Wigan will instill great confidence amongst the Everton squad ahead of Sunday's fifth-place showdown with Aston Villa.

"Confidence is high in the team and we are looking forward to Sunday's game," he declared.

"If we you keep on playing like that, goals will come and we will create opportunities.

"It is not going to be easy playing Villa away. We have to stick to our game plan, play like we did on Sunday and I don't think we will have a problem."