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Roberto Martinez is backing Everton's new No. 9, Arouna Kone, to rediscover his scoring touch, declaring "the goals will come."

The 29-year-old striker followed Martinez from Wigan Athletic in a £6 million move during the summer, but has since struggled to establish himself with the Toffees.

The 39-cap Ivory Coast international has made five Premier League appearances so far this season, but all of those have seen him step from the bench as he has thus far played second fiddle to Nikica Jelavic and loan star Romelu Lukaku.

As such Kone still hasn't found the target for his new club and mised a guilt-edged chance to net in the 2-1 win over Hull at the weekend.

And although Kone does have previous for goal droughts - 40 league appearances across four years with Sevilla saw him net just one goal following a £10.5 million move from PSV Eindhoven - the Everton boss is backing his man.

“The goals will come," said Martinez. "You’ll never see Arouna miss those chances again. He is adapting to life here after a difficult start.

“The good thing about him is that he’s an experienced player and he knows it’s not about missing chances it’s about creating chances.

"Coming on in the last period of the game he had two clear-cut chances (against Hull) and his hold up play was really good. I was pleased with his performance.

“I would rather see players get in the right positions and miss the chances than do OK and not get in the area you want a striker to be in. I was happy with his contribution.

“Scoring is a big part of a striker’s game and it’s important, but it’s not concerning me.

“I guarantee you if he gets two chances as clear cut as he did on Saturday in every game he will do well.”

While Kone has struggled in the early part of the season there have been mitigating factors - due to observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan he had to play catch up in the fitness stakes after the season began, while a few niggling injuries have also played there part.

(Image: Getty)

However, the striker who netted 13 goals for Wigan during his debut season in the Premier League, having notched 17 for Spanish club Levante in 2011-12 - as they finished sixth in La Liga with a team comprising free transfers, loans and players unwanted elsewhere - retains the faith of his manager, who is backing him to get back to his best before too long.

“He is starting to have his own pre-season if you like'" continued Martinez.

"We have to remember that Arouna has had a few niggles that have stopped him from being himself. His work in the past three weeks has given him a great platform to start being himself.

"It won’t happen overnight but I know he’ll find home here.

“He will be important for us. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when and making sure he’s ready when he’s needed.

“I can see him starting to get at his best which is crucial.”