LIVERPOOL, LONDON–Everton midfielder Li Tie has been told that he still has a future at the club. The Chinese international midfielder believes he could help turn around Everton's miserable Premiership season.

Li, who hasn't played for the Everton first team since January last year when he suffered a freak leg injury while on international duty, said he is close to full match fitness and relishes a return to the first team.

The 28-year-old has been a regular in the reserves this season and hit a spectacular 35-yard goal in a 1-0 win over Newcastle last month.