Heitinga fired up for derby clash

Heitinga has played in a number of different positions this season

Everton defender Johnny Heitinga is determined to heap misery on his Holland international team-mates in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Sunday's game will pitch the 26-year-old against a Liverpool side which may include Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.

"I want to win every game especially against the Dutch guys," Heitinga told BBC Radio Merseyside ahead of the game.

"I will speak with them before the match. It's not only a derby it's also a battle between the Dutch boys."

The 26-year-old, who has 50 caps for Holland, says the game against Liverpool has come at the right time for Everton after two defeats in their last three matches.

"I think so because it's a special game," he said. "It's not a game like all the other games.

"It's a home game and we must fight and hopefully we can win this game. I can't wait to play this weekend against Liverpool.

"You must give 120%, not only 100%. You must fight for each ball and you must fight as a team."

The £6m signing from Atletico Madrid believes Everton, currently 14th in the Premier League, will turn their fortunes around.

"We've got quality," he said. "We've got big players and the only thing we miss is three points and some good football.

"The only thing we can do is work hard and hopefully it's coming back."