Everton legend Graeme Sharp says new signing Jermaine Beckford can succeed at Goodison Park - if fans give him time.
The striker joined Everton on a four-year deal after his contract with Leeds United expired in May.
And while the 26-year-old may have notched up 31 goals last season, Sharpy says fans may need to be patient while he settles in to life in the top flight.
"I think the supporters have got to give him a chance. He has got to bed in and get used to the style of play," Sharpy told evertontv. "He will now be up against bigger, better and quicker defenders than what he has been used to. It will take some getting used to and it won't happen overnight but I think Jermaine will be looking forward to the challenge.
"It is a massive step up for him but David Moyes brought in Tim Cahill from Millwall and many of us questioned if he could handle the step up, myself included. It's not been a problem for Tim so hopefully Jermaine is the same.
"He will now be up against more intelligent defenders than he was used to at Leeds United but a goal scorer is a goal scorer. If he can take his form into his Everton career I think everyone will be happy with that."
