PHIL JAGIELKA will make his long-awaited return to action tonight and the Everton defender could be a surprise inclusion in the first team squad for Thursday’s Europa League clash at Sporting Lisbon.

The 27-year-old will end his 10-month injury nightmare when he plays for the reserves against Bolton Wanderers at Widnes’ Halton Stadium tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Jagielka hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since damaging the cruciate ligament in his left knee against Manchester City last April.

However, he will start alongside youngster Shane Duffy at the back tonight and could force his way into David Moyes’ plans for the trip to Portugal.

Everton fly to Lisbon tomorrow and the manager will be monitoring Jagielka’s fitness closely as he has a defensive selection headache ahead of the second leg against Sporting.

John Heitinga is ineligible, Sylvain Distin is suspended following his sending off in the first leg at Goodison and Tony Hibbert is injured.

Moyes knows Jagielka’s experience could prove crucial as Everton look to protect their 2-1 advantage and progress to the last 16.

“Jags is back training and we will try and push him on quickly as we might need him for midweek,” Moyes said.

“He is physically not ready. He needed an injection in a cyst on his knee that kept him from training for a week.

“But we hope that has cleared up and with people out I could do with him.”

The former Sheffield United centre-back will be part of a strong second string Everton side tonight with reserves manager Andy Holden also able to name Victor Anichebe, James Vaughan, Seamus Coleman and Jose Baxter in his line up.

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell is hoping to take advantage of Marouane Fellaini’s lengthy absence to nail down a regular starting spot.

The 18-year-old’s opportunities have been limited in recent months by the combination of a hamstring injury and the form of the Belgian international.