Everton forward Oumar Niasse has lauded his teammates for their fighting spirit in their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in Saturday’s Premier League encounter.
The Toffees fought their way back to pick a point at Selhurst Park.
Goals from Leighton Baines and the 27-year-old striker cancelled out efforts from James McArthur and Wilfried Zaha as the Merseyside club avoided their seventh defeat of the campaign.
Despite their struggles in the English top-flight this season, the right-footed forward praised the team's spirit and charged his teammates to keep fighting when they visit the St. Mary’s Stadium to battle Southampton for their next top-flight game.
“The past few months have been difficult but it is always good to get a point, especially away from home, and now we need to work for next week [away at Southampton],” Niasse told club website.
“Crystal Palace started the season badly, but they have some great players. It is difficult to play them away – their stadium is tough – you need to focus and fight every time.
"The confidence is coming into the team, because in the last game (against Watford) we were 2-0 down and won 3-2. Then Palace were ahead twice and we came back.
“We did not give up and the team is getting better and better.”
Niasse expressed delight after his effort - which made it five goals from seven Premier League games this season - helped Everton earn a point.
“It is difficult for me, because for two seasons in a row I did not have a proper pre-season,” he continued.
“I have to work harder and keep running to get my fitness back. I am getting better and better and we will see at the end of the season what happens.
“But I am happy to get a goal and help my team," he concluded.
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