Everton FC: Landon Donovan hails Denis Stracqualursi after FA Cup win over Fulham

Jan 28 2012 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

LANDON DONOVAN hailed the goal-scoring contribution of Denis Stracqualursi, as the Argentinian’s first Everton goal sparked the fight-back against Fulham that secured passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Donovan, 29, provided the assist for Stracqualursi’s first-half equaliser, and crafted Marouane Fellaini’s winning header at Goodison Park last night.

But the LA Galaxy loan-star, who shone during a contest shown live on TV in America, insisted Stracqualursi deserved the credit for the header which cancelled out Danny Murphy’s 13th minute penalty.

He said: “I was happy for him and he deserved it on the night. It’s easier for me coming from America, I speak the language and I’ve been here before.

“For Denis it’s completely foreign and he’s a really nice kid. The guys like being around him and he works hard, and you’ll find that in this game if you do those things people are going to pull for you. We were all very happy for him.”

Stracqualursi has struggled to make an impact so far since joining from Argentinean first division outfit Tigre in the summer, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up.

But he responded with a hard-working display that was typical of his attitude in training, says Donovan, and sobbed with joy after opening his Toffees’ account.

“It meant a lot to him,” said Donovan, who added that he feels 100% fit after playing six times since re-joining at the start of January. “He trains hard, and wants to contribute in a real way. It was a really important goal for us and a great goal for him.

“There’s no question I feel fit. This league gets you in shape quickly. It’s been nice to get back in with the team, we’ve all been a little frustrated with performances lately but tonight was a step in the right direction. There’s little time to celebrate because we have a really big game on Tuesday.”