Everton forward Magaye Gueye hoping to establish himself in the first team this season

Magaye Gueye of Everton (Getty Images)

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Everton forward Magaye Gueye is hoping to establish himself as a first-team regular after finding his opportunities limited last season.

The Frenchman arrived at the start of last season from Strasbourg but did not break into the side until April when he came on as a substitute against Aston Villa.

Gueye, 20, is hoping now he has better English and has settled into life at Goodison Park he can push on and get more first-team chances this season.

He told the club’s officials website: “Next season hopefully I can play more games. I think this first year was more about settling in and learning about English football.

“I think I have already got better in my time here. I have got more used to the style of play as it is different from France where the football is not as physical. That is the biggest difference I have had to get used to.

“My objective is to come back and have a really good pre-season, get really fit and strong, impress the manager and get into the team for the first game. I need to get a bit stronger, keep working hard and believe in myself.“

“If I am on the pitch then I am happy,” he added. “I like it at Everton and I am here for five years. My aim is to play more games now and improve as a player in the English league.”

Although naturally a forward, Gueye was deployed as a winger at times last season and he admits his position is not important as long as he is playing.

He added: “I can play on the left or on the right and up front – that is not a problem. But my favourite position is probably just behind the striker.

“There you get freedom to play all over the pitch. You can score goals and help the team but also be creative as well. It is also where Zinedine Zidane played and he is my hero, so I always liked the position.”