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Everton's Arouna Kone targets fresh start in new season

Arouna Kone triggered a contract extension by playing his 35th game for Everton
Image: Arouna Kone confident ahead of new season

Striker Arouna Kone is hoping for a fresh start at Everton after battling through injury problems.

Kone, who joined Everton in 2013, was sidelined for most of pre-season with an knee problem and despite travelling with the squad to Austria he did not play in the training game with FK Jablonec.

However, things are looking up for Kone after the 32-year-old came off the bench to score twice in eight minutes, his first goals since January, in the 4-0 EFL Cup win over League Two Yeovil.

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The striker, who spent a year under Everton manager Ronald Koeman at PSV Eindhoven in 2006, is confident he can thrive in the team and is relishing the prospect of playing for the Dutchman again.

"I am really happy for these two goals but I am more happy for the team because a victory is important," Kone said."For me it is very important as a striker to score goals and I have to score to keep my confidence.

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Highlights of the EFL Cup 2nd round match between Everton and Yeovil

"I am feeling very well now but I am not 100 per-cent, I think I am now about 70 to 80 per cent.

"Last week I was with the team, before I was with the physio to do my training because in the holiday I had an operation on my knee.

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"I was very unlucky with the injuries but I am very positive in my head and I have to give 100 per cent for myself and this club."

Yannick Bolasie signs for Everton on a five-year deal
Image: Yannick Bolasie signed for Everton on a five-year deal

Kone believes Koeman will get the best out of the squad, which includes new signings Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie and expects them to target the EFL Cup as well as do better in the Premier League.

"It is a very important competition," the forward added. "We have a big squad and I think this year we have to improve and these two (Williams and Bolasie) will help the team improve as they are very good players.

"We have a very good manager. I knew him before and played with him in Holland at PSV and he will improve us.

"I think this year we have a big squad to do more and improve and to finish very high in the table."

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