Mark Lawrenson: Moyes has dealt with Yakubu in correct manner

Feb 12 2008

DAVID MOYES has dealt swiftly with Yakubu’s failure to report back in time for training – and at the same time handed out a message that no-one at the club can take their place in the first team for granted.

The Nigerian striker missed three flights back from the Africa Cup of Nations before eventually making it back to Finch Farm.

He is not the first African player to return late from international duty – and probably won’t be the last.

However Moyes has dealt with the situation firmly – and with the minimum of fuss.

It shows that he will not tolerate anyone showing anything that can be regarded as disrespect for the club.

And by leaving him out of the side that beat Reading to keep the club’s hopes of a second top four finish in four seasons, Moyes was laying down a marker that no one player is bigger than the team.

There is no need to go as far as sacking Yakubu over his decision to take some extra, unauthorised time off, but the fact that Everton won without him will remind the striker that he now faces a battle to win his place back.

And competition for places never does any club any harm...