Alan Stubbs may return as injuries bite at Everton

Sep 28 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

DAVID MOYES has hinted Alan Stubbs may have played his way into Everton’s Premier League starting line-up this weekend – as the Goodison manager grapples with yet more injury problems.

Tony Hibbert and Nuno Valente picked up knocks that forced them off during the 3-0 Carling Cup victory at Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.

Hibbert suffering a groin strain while Portugal international Valente took a blow to his foot, with both considered doubtful for Sunday’s visit of Middlesbrough.

The pair join Mikel Arteta, Thomas Gravesen and Tim Howard in the treatment room, while Tim Cahill and James Vaughan remain long-term absentees.

“The substitut-ion (for Tony) was forced in two accounts, obvious-ly his booking concerned me and also he’s got a groin strain so that really made my mind up at half-time,” said Moyes.

“Nuno Valente came in and played his part, although he now has quite a bad injury to his foot.”

With Joseph Yobo missing through illness, Stubbs returned at centre-back alongside Joleon Lescott for his first appearance in more than a month.

The veteran helped Everton to their first clean sheet of the season, and Moyes intimated Stubbs could retain his place for the weekend clash with Gareth Southgate’s Teessiders.

“Stubbsy stands in the right positions and he gets his clean sheets and organises the boys well, so he’s been a really good players for us,” said Moyes. “We know that with Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott we’ve got two really good central defenders, but sometimes you just need that experience.”

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor has ruled out making a fresh move for Everton reserve keeper Iain Turner.

Turner, who played five Coca-Cola Championship games for the Eagles during a loan spell last season, has recently recovered from a groin problem.

Current Palace keeper Julian Speroni has come in for criticism after being at fault for both goals in the 3-2 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday.

But Taylor said: “I am not looking to reignite my interest in Iain Turner. I am happy with Julian and Scott (Flinders). If one goalkeeper is making some mistakes, then the other might come in.”

METALIST KHARKIV have confirmed that match tickets for the UEFA Cup first round second leg tie in the Ukraine will be delivered to Goodison on Monday.

Pre-purchased tickets will be immediately dispatched by special delivery on the same day. However, any supporters who would prefer to pick up their pre-purchased tickets directly from Goodison Park should notify the Everton Fan Centre in advance, by calling 0870 442 1878 followed by option three and then option two.