Football: Anichebe happy to face testing time in Europe; Chelsea v Everton Stamford Bridge, tomorrow, kick-off 3pm Striker excited at future challenges.

Byline: DOMINIC KING

VICTOR ANICHEBE has fond memories of tussles with Chelsea and Everton's young striker is desperate to put the gloss on a memorable 12 months at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Having made his first senior appearance in an FA Cup tie against Jose Mourinho's side in January 2006, he gave Khalid Boularhouz a torrid time in the corresponding fixture last December and was desperately unlucky to finish on the losing side that afternoon.

But whether he starts or has to make do with a place on the bench in West London, Anichebe can feel rightly satisfied with efforts as Everton bring their campaign to a close with a trip to face the deposed champions.

After scoring on the last day of last season against West Brom, Anichebe took the impetus from that experience by impressively stating his credentials in Everton's warm-up fixtures with a handful of goals - and has not looked back.

The most significant thing you glean from talking to Anichebe is that he knows the hard work is still in front of him. Along with his best pal, James Vaughan, he has done well to break into the first team at 18, yet there is no chance of him resting on his laurels.

So if he is given the opportunity at Stamford Bridge, he will be stretching every sinew as he appreciates the importance of going out on a high. There is a determination in the camp to finish fifth and Anichebe wants to play a part.

"It's been a good season," the Academy graduate reflected. "It helped that I got a good pre-season under my belt and I had come back into training earlier than the rest of the lads. I had a little bit of a dip in form and the gaffer pulled me out.

"That is always going to happen when you are a young player but it has been good to return to the team in the last couple of weeks. I'm just enjoying things at the moment. Pre-season gave me a lot of confidence.

"It's not my favourite thing in the world but I came back early, got a lot of running under my belt and then when the games started, I was ready for them. I scored a couple of goals and that let me go into the Premiership season on a high. I just wanted to take my chance.

"I had that dip afterwards and that was down to the fact that the pace was a bit quicker than I had been used to. The first few games you play, it is as if you are playing on adrenalin but when the Gaffer pulled me out, he explained the situation and I got to grips with it in the end.

"Hopefully in the future, we will get better and better each year. If we could finish fifth, that would be a really big improvement. We finished 11th last season, so to get in the UEFA Cup and finish in a good position shows how well we have done.

"But we have still got one more game to go and we are determined to come fifth. It will be really difficult against Chelsea, as they are a quality side, but we want to do as well as we can as we have worked really hard this year."

Next season will present a number of different challenges, notably the prospect of coming up against continental defences and Anichebe is well aware that he will have to broaden his box of tricks if he is to get the better of some gnarled old professionals.

Aside from that, there is also the possibility that Moyes will increase competition for places in Everton's squad by signing another striker, all of which means he will have to hit the ground running when he returns from his summer break.

"Europe will be a big test," said Anichebe, whose 23 appearances this year have yielded four goals.

"I don't know how much I am going to play but it is an exciting time for everyone here. I'm looking forward to testing myself if I get the opportunity against top European defenders.

"Training is going to be really competitive. We are going to have to be at our best if we want to get in the team.

"Reputations do not get you into this team. You have got to prove yourself all the time. If you always give 100 per cent, that's all you can do."

Come what may, Anichebe and Vaughan will seek out reserve team coach Andy Holden at the final whistle for a special word. While they are eternally grateful to Moyes for giving them a chance, they are quick to point out Holden's role in their development.

"James and I always mention Taff but he is the reason we are both here so quickly" said Anichebe. "He is one of the best coaches around. He never lies to us, he'll drag us aside if he thinks we have done something wrong. He is a huge help to us. We can't say enough about him."

Moyes' main selection dilemma is whether he sticks with the starting line-up that brushed past Portsmouth seven days ago or, more likely, adds another body into midfield at the expense of a striker. Andrew Johnson once again misses out through injury

Blue Meanie

FRANK LAMPARD: Has a habit of scoring against Everton - his spectacular effort at Goodison earlier this year turned the game on its head - and will be looking to warm up for the FA Cup Final with an improved display.

REF WATCH & DISCIPLINE

Mark Halsey

So far this season Mr Halsey has taken charge of 26 league games, issuing 53 yellow and 5 red cards. He's retted 5 Blues games, most notably the 2-0 win at Spurs when Kevin Kilbane was red carded. There were no cards shown during the 2-1 home win over Charlton, Phil Neville was the caution when Chelsea won 3-2 at Goodison, Arteta was shown yellow in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford and, lastly, Mr Halsey kept his cards in his pocket when Blues lost 2-1 at The Riverside. Everton appear to be on best behaviour when Mr Halsey's officiating. Last season he reffed 4 Blues matches, Arteta the only player cautioned.

CAPTION(S):

HIGH STANDARD: Victor Anichebe knows he will have to be at his best to win a place; TROUBLESOME: Victor Anichebe has already created problems against Chelsea - and is keen to do so again