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Romelu Lukaku will take the Premier League by storm in January - and help ignite the second half of Everton FC’s season, Roberto Martinez has declared.

The Blues striker has only found the back of the net four times so far this term, after struggling with injury and mixed form.

But Martinez predicts his club record signing is poised to flourish in the New Year and maintain a hot streak until the end of the campaign.

He said: “I think Rom is going to hit his best levels in January. Then I think he’s capable of maintaining it until the end of May. I’m happy with his attitude and the way he works. He knows the responsibility he has for us and brings a lot of desire.

“He is so unpredictable with his type of play. He can be strong and powerful. He can hold the ball up well. Against Lille he was very sharp and penetrating and his link-up in the final third was really good.”

Lukaku, 21, seemed back to his best in Everton’s last Goodison Park outing, when he shone against Lille in the 3-0 Europa League triumph which saw the Blues consolidate their lead of Group H.



But the £28m man had less of a sustained impact in the following 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend in the Premier League.

Martinez, though, retains total faith in a forward who scored 15 top flight goals while on loan last term.

“He was unfortunate to have a goal disallowed (against Lille) which was very close,” said the Catalan. “For a striker to have two goals disallowed and then be involved in a very good performance going forward is pleasing.

“It was nothing we didn’t expect from him though. He has started to be fresh now and ready.”

Martinez added that he is equally excited about his other attacking options. He added: “Samuel Eto’o will always contribute with his experience and vision every time he’s on the pitch, and Steven Naismith hasn’t dropped his level. His work-rate is phenomenal and his intelligence allows him to be used in different formations.

“We’ve got good attacking options. I think Christian Atsu will be an important player for us in second half of the season. Kevin Mirallas will be back from injury soon. It’s important everyone is ready to help us on the pitch and the attitude has been perfect so far.”