LIVERPOOL FANS do not care to be reminded that Nikica Jelavic cost Everton a seventh of the €42 million Kenny Dalglish invested in Andy Carroll. The Croatia striker’s five goals in 10 games since his January arrival from Rangers have transformed the fortunes of David Moyes’s side and Slaven Bilic believes he could prove a key figure during tomorrow’s all-Merseyside FA Cup semi-final.
Bilic is currently the coach of Croatia, the national side the Republic of Ireland open their Euro 2012 campaign against on June 10th, and he formerly played in the Everton defence. He is from Split, where Jelavic began his career, and had long suspected that Goodison Park might prove his compatriot’s ideal habitat.
“I’ve known Nikica since he was a child and I watched Everton a lot, even before he came, and always imagined he’d suit them perfectly,” said Bilic. “I’ve always been quite sure about Nikica.
“They needed a guy who is not only a finisher but is also great in other areas and they have found a natural goalscorer who is great in the build-up. He can hold the ball up, he’s just perfect for Everton’s style. You need a bit of luck at the start, which he got and now his confidence is sky high.
“He never panics, he’s such a cool finisher. It doesn’t surprise me how well he’s doing.”
What has startled Bilic is that Moyes was able to secure a 26-year-old known as the “Flying Fortress” in Croatia for such a relatively modest sum.
“When I read about £20 million (€24 million) transfers, getting him for £5 million (€6 million)looks like a bargain,” he said. “It’s great for Everton.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tim Howard insists Everton will not go out at Wembley looking to settle old scores against Liverpool tomorrow.
The American said they were “taken to the woodshed” in their last meeting at Anfield thanks to Steven Gerrard’s hat-trick in a 3-0 defeat. But Howard said revenge should never be the overriding factor going into any game, let alone one of such significance.
“We know it is going to be battle but I don’t think we are going to cloud our judgement with results which happened two or three weeks ago,” said the United States international.
