Everton receive all clear on Yakubu and Joseph Yobo

Jan 4 2008 by David Prentice

EVERTON received a huge cup boost today when Nigeria agreed to delay the departure of Yakubu and Joseph Yobo until after next week's Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

The Blues are still waiting on a decision from South Africa on Steven Pienaar, but their two Nigerians will be able to play at Chelsea on Tuesday.

Chelsea have also been given permission for John Obi Mikel to postpone reporting for African Nations Cup duty.

But the Ivory Coast have insisted that Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba report after tomorrow's FA Cup tie against QPR, even though Drogba is still injured.

The Nigeria squad is due to meet for a training camp in Malaga on Sunday, but Yakubu and Yobo can fly out on Wednesday.

Yobo is currently receiving treatment for a foot injury, but Moyes may well use Yakubu on Tuesday and in tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Oldham at Goodison Park.

The Blues boss said today he will use the memory of his most crushing disappointment in football to avoid any over-confidence against the League One side.

The Blues face Oldham just three days before the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final and there have been suggestions that key players may be rested. But Moyes admitted he was still driven by the memory of his shock FA Cup exit to Kevin Ratcliffe's Shrewsbury in 2003.

"We don't really have the size of squad to be doing that and we want to get through," he said.

"We took our medicine against Shrewsbury a few years ago and we don't want to take it again.

"It will be a tough game. They are improving and their results away from home have been excellent. So we can't afford to be looking ahead too far."

It looks like injury will keep Tim Cahill and Yobo out anyway, while Mikel Arteta is serving the second match of his three-match ban. But Thomas Gravesen is fit to return to the squad.

Tomorrow's third round tie will have special significance for Blues coach Andy Holden, who spent nine years as a player at Boundary Park during the club's halcyon period under Joe Royle.

"It will not be an easy game," he said. "Their manager has got them playing some nice football. They are a passionate club and they will not lie down.

"I have still got a lot of good friends there and it is a smashing club. It is nice to get them in the draw."

Oldham boss John Sheridan has selection problems ahead of tomorrow's tie, with over half of the side that won 3-1 at Leeds United on New Year’s Day possibly missing.

Neal Trotman is suspended while there are serious injury doubts over goalkeeper Mark Crossley (ankle), Chris Taylor (hamstring) and striker Lee Hughes (groin).

The Latics believe there is little likelihood of reviving a deal for left-back Ryan Bertrand, who has returned to Chelsea. It looks likely the 18-year-old could be loaned out again, but to a club in the Championship with Hull City and Leicester City potential suitors.