JERMAINE BECKFORD is hoping to build on a solid debut season at Everton and says he has improved as a player since his move to Goodison Park.

The 28-year-old striker made the step up from League One to Premier League after joining David Moyes’ side from Leeds United last summer, and by the end of his maiden top-flight campaign had netted ten goals in all competitions.

And the former Wealdstone man believes he has added to his game on Merseyside, playing alongside better footballers.

“As a striker you want to score in every game and that is my aim as a footballer,” said Beckford, who ended with a stunning, match-winning solo strike against Chelsea on the final day of the season.

“I feel like I have improved here, largely because I am playing with better players and over the course of last season I got to know their games and they got to know mine.

“Also I have not been used to playing as a one up top and that is something I have had to get used to and hopefully people have been able to see a slight improvement.”

Beckford, who was top scorer for three consecutive seasons at Leeds, has now set his sights on next season, and hopes to convince manager Moyes that he is worthy of a regular first-team spot.

“My aim now is to come back, have a really good pre-season, get into the team straight away and stay there,” he added. “If that does not happen then so be it but you can be sure I’ll still be working hard in training and putting myself in the frame for a regular start.

“I am more than happy at the club and with what I have achieved so far. It was good to get into double figures in my first season and hopefully next year I can get even more.”