Jo hopes playing for Everton FC can help him into Brazil's World Cup squad

But having rediscovered his form under David Moyes after a miserable time since moving to City last summer, Jo is now convinced he can force his way into the plans of Brazil coach Dunga.

"It is my aim to play in the World Cup so that was another reason for me to stay at Everton," said Jo. "I know here I have more chance to be playing full-time in the first XI and scoring goals.

"Only that way can I show the manager that I must be recalled to the national team."

Jo, who scored five goals in 12 appearances for Everton last season, was ineligible for last season's FA Cup run but believes the Goodison outfit are primed to end their 14-year wait for a trophy.

"My aim is to take Everton as high as possible and challenge for the competitions we are involved in," said the striker. "I want to score goals as well of course, because every striker wants to score goals and that's what I love to do.

"From what I saw last season, we have every chance to win titles this season. We're in the Europa League, the Premier League and there are other trophies we are involved in. We have a fantastic team, a fantastic manager and we are there to fight for it."

Jo added: "I think I started to find my best form last season when I moved to Everton, that is for sure. The last four months of last season I felt much more confident. They were much better than the first six months because I started playing and scoring goals and that gave me confidence.

"In my opinion it was the manager and my team-mates who helped me find that confidence. They pass that tranquility and that confidence to you and that's why I was able to find my best (form)."

Meanwhile, Everton's squad will be bolstered by the return of Yakubu for the forthcoming tour of North America.

The Nigerian, who was been sidelined since November with an Achilles injury, will be among the party that jets off for the United States next week and could even play against either the MLS All-Stars on July 29 in Salt Lake City or River Plate in Edmonton, Canada four days earlier.

Real Salt Lake midfield duo Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales are the latest players to be announced in the All-Stars squad while Toronto striker Dwayne De Rosario has been replaced by Chicago Fire veteran Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

Mikel Arteta won't be on the trip, but Everton expect the Spaniard to be back in full training by the middle of next month.

"The normal recovery period for a cruciate injury is six months," said head of physio Mick Rathbone.

"He's hitting all his targets so at the end of August he should be available."