Everton boss David Moyes heaped praise on striker Yakubu

Yakubu returned in the 2-0 victory after being fined and dropped for the win against Reading after his late return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe were on target and Moyes said: "Yakubu played really well up front.

"He kept hold of the ball, linked the play well and worked really hard for the team. I was pleased with him."

606: DEBATE Outstanding performances from Jagielka (AGAIN!!) great goal from Ossie in Europe(Again!!) Parkend06

Moyes refused to regard the second leg and a place in the last 16 as a formality, despite his side's dominant position - but he was delighted with Everton's second-half performance.

He said: "In the first half we were not going anywhere, we were not passing the ball quickly enough and we were not showing enough pace around the pitch.

"Brann are a good side. They have just won the Norwegian championship and beaten a top side like Rosenborg to do it, so we know we have produced a very good victory here.

"But we needed to improve after the break. We seemed to be trying to do everything perfectly, it was causing us problems and we were losing possession.

"But we got better as the game went on and Leon Osman and Victor scored fine goals.

Moyes added: "I will not start thinking about the next round until we have completed the job, the second leg being next week.

"We need to show respect because Brann showed themselves to be a very good side and we know they will come to Goodison Park desperate to get revenge for this.

"But we are getting our players back from injury and the African Nations Cup. Mikel Arteta should be back from injury by the time the second leg comes around and we have players suited to European competition becoming available again."