Ramiro Funes Mori still dreaming of World Cup

Defender Ramiro Funes Mori still dreams of playing at this summer’s World Cup but admits he has to force his way into Everton manager Sam Allardyce’s plans first.

The Argentina international has not featured since a serious knee injury in March last year but after playing a couple of matches for the under-23s and then joining the first-team training camp in Dubai earlier this month the centre-back is raring to go.

He could be in contention for the squad for Saturday’s trip to Burnley but will have to fight his way past Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams and Mason Holgate before the end of the season to have any hope of impressing Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli.

“Of course I’m thinking about the World Cup but I’ll have to play for Everton in order to do that,” he told evertontv.

“I’m just happy to have recovered from the injury but I need to be fit to prove that I can play.

“Of course it’s difficult being injured for a long time. It’s difficult when you’re injured and a new manager comes in.

“It’s tough because you want to show what you can give to the team and to the club.

“But he (Allardyce) knows every player, I think he has given opportunities to every injured player that’s come back so I am waiting for that opportunity also.

“I’m very happy to be fully fit and I’m looking forward to joining the team.”