Former Everton starlet Femi Orenuga is ready for his first preseason games at AFC United, backs Kevin Mirallas for Everton success and also good pal Michael Ngoo after the Liverpool striker's move to Hearts.
We're now getting to the pointy end of preseason with the friendlies now looming.
I've spoken to the gaffer here at AFC United, Valeri Bondarenko, about what role he sees for me this season. He wants to set us up with an attacking three and I'll be either playing on the right or left.
I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the preseason games and showing everyone what I can do.
Preseason here has been good. I have to say I feel great and very confident in my fitness levels. This is because it's a lot longer than what I experienced in England at Everton, so not as intense. But it's still hard!
There's great spirit amongst the lads - and a lot of ambition within the club. We're going into the season with our sights firmly on promotion.
We're really looking forward to the season and there's a lot of confidence around the camp.
Speaking of season targets, I reckon Everton have a great chance of a top four finish. They have the right attributes, not only do Everton boast talented players but they all work hard as a team - which makes it doubly as hard for their opponents.
It's been good to see Kevin Mirallas back in action after his injury problems. I think he's been one of their best players this season and it's a shame he's been injured for a large chunk of the season. I've not spoken to anyone about him at Everton, but his feet are doing all the talking. You can see the difference he makes to Everton's attack.
Another Evertonian doing well is my former teammate Victor Anichebe.
It was great to see him get on the scoresheet for the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday. Victor is doing well and he's enjoying his football now that he's fit.
Of course, he's now committed himself to Nigeria and was unlucky to miss the squad for the African Cup of Nations. I'm certain he would have made a mark in South Africa, though after the Ivory Coast result they seem to be doing very well indeed!
Across Stanley Park, one of my good friends in football, Michael Ngoo, has made the move to Hearts.
We talked about how important such loan deals can be for young players and Michael has really made a big splash in Scotland. Like myself, Michael came through at Southend United before being signed by Liverpool.
I'm really happy for Michael and spoke to him on the phone to wish him good luck just before he left for Hearts. He is such a threat with his size and ability to play on the deck, it's no surprise he's made such an instant impact.
Femi Orenuga was speaking to Ifeanyi Abanum of AllNigeriasoccer.com on behalf of tribalfootball.com. Visit AllNigeriasoccer.com for all your latest Nigerian football news.
