SYLVAIN DISTIN is ready to help Everton FC repel Stoke City’s aerial bombardment after returning to training this week.

Distin has been limited to just 49 minutes of first-team football since October 26 having been hampered by a groin problem.

The French centre-back’s only appearance since then came as a first-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United almost a month ago.

But the 33-year-old has been back working with his team-mates since Monday, and will now come into contention for a recall ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Stoke at Goodison.

Distin could be one of four players to return, with Phil Neville, Royston Drenthe and Jack Rodwell all being assessed this week.

Rodwell, who missed last Saturday’s win at Bolton Wanderers with a rib problem, has been taking on extra training sessions to help build on the momentum of a season that has already seen him secure a regular first-team slot in David Moyes’s midfield and a full England debut.

And Everton assistant manager Steve Round said: “He is working really hard and has been doing extra sessions with me in the afternoons.