Players’ schedule concerns Moyes

Jun 7 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

DAVID MOYES has expressed his concern that the heavy international schedule many of his players are facing in June could disrupt his pre-season preparations.

Yakubu, Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe have already played one World Cup qualifier for Nigeria this month and could all feature in another three during the next fortnight.

Steven Pienaar faces a similar workload playing in the same group for South Africa as, even though they are the hosts for the 2010 tournament, they are competing because the games double up as African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

And in the American zone, the USA’s double header with Barbados will keep goalkeeper Tim Howard in competitive action until June 22.

This extended round of games all but wipes out the valuable rest time between the end of the international calendar and the return to pre-season at the beginning of July.

But the considerable risk of squad members picking up injuries while on international duty is also worrying the Everton manager.

“It’s really disappointing that these players have to play so much,” said Moyes.

“We’ve got five players away on international duty, and these World Cup qualifiers mean they are having a summer of football.

“I think Tim Howard will be involved in three friendlies and a couple of qualifiers so they really don't get the rest they should.

“But I’m sure there are players at other clubs in similar situations.”

Everton do, however, have no representation at the Euro 2008 tournament that starts today in Switzerland and Austria.

And although Moyes admits the lack of British interest is regrettable, he thinks most of his fellow Premier League managers will be grateful the home-based players will have a summer off to recharge the batteries.

He added: “A lot of the players will be pleased to have that rest because they play an awful lot of football and a lot unnecessary friendlies.

“Having British teams in a tournament is always something we’ve been used to and we always get built up for.

“Players will want to be there but they will enjoy a period of rest.”

Moyes won’t be resting in his attempts to continue scouring for new faces, however, and he will be attending some matches to run the rule over potential transfer targets.

“I will be on holiday but will be taking in two or three games,” Moyes said to evertontv.

“I’ll be checking on one or two players.”

Priority remains central midfield after the end-of-season departures of Lee Carsley, Manuel Fernandes and Thomas Gravesen.

Moyes faces stiff competition for Chelsea’s Steve Sidwell and Tom Huddlestone from Spurs, while another option is the lingering possibility of a loan from Valencia that could lead to Fernandes returning for a third spell at Goodison.