STEVEN PIENAAR believes Everton are ready to get back to the defensive solidity which has been their calling card in recent seasons.

The South African midfielder believes the Blues first clean sheet of a turbulent start to the season, at Fulham on Saturday, was a sign of things to come and backed David Moyes’ team to pick up where they left off against Birmingham this weekend.

Pienaar, who insists he is yet to reach his peak in a blue shirt, feels the team have finally put the dismal home defeat to Newcastle United in the league out of their heads, and are ready to assert themselves.

Spectators have blamed Everton’s lack of a cutting edge in front of goal for hampering their form most this season, but Pienaar insists a water-tight back four is equally integral to success.

He said: “If you don’t concede goals you’re not going to lose. For the guys at the back it was a boost that it was the first clean sheet of the season against Fulham and they played well.

“The Newcastle game was disappointing. We let a lot of people down and we know it. We went into Fulham with our heads clear and showed we can play when we play 100%.

“We all know Birmingham are difficult to play against away. Well organised and tough. It’s going to be tough but we just have to play our own game and hopefully get all three points. They are always well organised with a good foundation. We have to build on our last game and make sure we play with confidence and be sharper in front of goal.”

The 28-year-old playmaker has gone from strength to strength since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2007.

His move to England reinvigorated his career after a frustrating season in the Bundesliga, and last season his form earned him the club’s Player of the Year award.

But the talented midfielder, who impressed in the weekend trip to Fulham, insists his best is yet to come.

“I think as a young player it is exciting and you get noticed,” the Bafana Bafana vice-captain said. “But you move on and go through different stages in your career and you get better as you get older – hopefully that is what I am doing.

“Every day is a different day and I think every day I am learning. I know I can improve further if I keep working hard at my game.”

Pienaar also backed Yakubu to rediscover his form and get amongst the goals sooner rather than later.

“We all know Yak is a proven goalscorer,” he said. “He is slowly getting back to where he was and the more games he plays the sharper he will get. Hopefully he will get his goal soon and that will kick-start things for him.”