Yakubu: I'm sorry, Everton

Yakubu has apologised for his late return and going AWOL for Everton's last Premiership game. The Nigerian striker arrived late from the Cup of Nations and has been fined a reported £80,000.

"We love The Yak," goalkeeper Ian Howard told the Liverpool Echo. "He's been a hugely positive influence on us, not just with the amount of goals he has scored for the team but in the dressing room as well.

"Yes, these things happen but it has been dealt with and the manager has taken care of that. Now we all get on with it.

"Yak has spoken to us and the sooner we get past it, the better."

Yakubu has been keen to make up his mistake and insisted he will do so by scoring goals.