Jutkiewicz eyeing first Premier League goal ahead of Everton’s Turf visit

Clarets striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is craving his first ever goal in the Premier League.
Still positive: Striker Lukas Jutkiewicz believes he can scores goals at Premier League levelStill positive: Striker Lukas Jutkiewicz believes he can scores goals at Premier League level
Still positive: Striker Lukas Jutkiewicz believes he can scores goals at Premier League level

The 25-year-old is without a goal in eight league outings this term but is hopeful that will change when his former employers Everton visit Turf Moor on Sunday, kick-off 1-30 p.m.

Jutkiewicz was signed by former Toffees boss David Moyes as a teenager in 2007 but went on to make just one appearance for the club, replacing Tim Cahill as an 86th minute substitute in a 3-0 win over Sunderland at Goodison Park in December 2008.

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He was sent out on loan to Plymouth in the Championship - where he featured in a 1-0 defeat to the Clarets - before joining up with Huddersfield Town in League One and Motherwell in the SPL. Aidy Boothroyd then signed the striker on a permanent basis for Coventry City.

“It’s not just against Everton particularly - that first goal would basically mean everything to me no matter who we’re playing against,” he said. “I was just a yard or two off that first goal (against West Ham) which is frustrating but I’ll keep trying to get in there. It’ll definitely come, you’ve just got to keep trying to get in to the right positions and hope that the luck changes.”

Meanwhile, Jutkiewicz is hoping the tide will turn now that strike partner Danny Ings has returned from a hamstring injury. Ings formed a prolific partnership with Sam Vokes in the Championship last term as the duo netted 47 goals in all competitions, and Jutkiewicz is determined to fashion a similar combination.

“He’s a top drawer player and a pleasure to play with,” he said. “We’re trying to improve every day in training and we’re trying to work on things so hopefully we can start scoring.”

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The Clarets remain the only club in the country without a win this campaign, but Jutkiewicz acknowledges that it’s all part of the challenge of competing in England’s top tier.

“It’s a massive test but this is where I want to be,” he said. “You want to test yourself against the very best. It’s possibly the best league in the world so it’s enjoyable to be involved in it. But we’re looking to improve so we can impact on this season.

“It’s understandable. It’s something that people are going to talk about. It’s up to us to try and get that first win. After every defeat everyone is disappointed and frustrated but the important thing is to rejuvenate, go again and learn where we can try to get better in our next performance.”

Jutkiewicz, who scored six goals in as many games in pre-season, added: “The spirit isn’t going to change because we’ve had a few bad results. That strength in the changing room is going to be important throughout the season.

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“It’s great to be able to get out on to the pitch at home again and hopefully the fans will get behind us. They were superb against West Ham all the way through. Hopefully we can put on a better performance for them.”