Leon Osman also resumed training this week and there are signs several of Everton's long-term absentees are reaching the end of their long road sto recovery.

"Mikel joined in but was in non-contact training, Victor Anichebe has done a little bit over the last few days and is improving," said Moyes.

"Phil Jagielka began some running this week too. Dan Gosling, Jack Rodwell and Sylvain Distin are all close, Sylvain probably the closest. They are all going in the right direction."

Meanwhile, Alex Parker, a member of the Everton team that won the championship in 1962-63, has died at the age of 74.

Parker, a defender who scored five goals in 220 appearances, suffered a heart attack and passed away on Thursday.

Patrick Vieira arrival may not be good for English football, says David Moyes

DAVID MOYES admits Patrick Vieira's return to the Premier League is not necessarily good for English football – and underlines how difficult it is for homegrown youngsters to break into the first team.

Vieira yesterday joined up with former manager Roberto Mancini after completing his move to Manchester City to Inter Milan.

The 33-year-old, who made his name at Arsenal, has signed a six-month deal with the option for a further year.

But Everton manager Moyes, a staunch advocate of bringing talent through the ranks at Goodison, has expressed his disappointment that up-and-coming players at City are finding their route to a senior call-up further blocked.

"Patrick Vieira has been a magnificent player and I have a great deal of respect for him as a footballer," said Moyes. "But is that what City need? I don't know. They'll know what they need, it's not our business.

"We would try to bring in young, up and coming players who we think we can have here. Man City can buy the finished article and maybe that can give them the icing on the cake, but we're not at that level.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of young players at Manchester City who will be disappointed at not being given the chance to play.

"Is Vieira coming back good for his country? I do not know. There are a lot of people that would like to see young British players given that chance."