EVERTON must decide whether to look to extend goalkeeper Jan Mucha’s contract with the Slovakia international poised to leave at the end of the season.
Mucha earned widespread praise for helping keep champions Manchester City at bay in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Goodison.
It was only the 30-year-old’s second Premier League appearance – and only his 10th in all competitions – since signing from Legia Warsaw on a free transfer in the summer of 2010.
Such had been his lack of playing time, Everton were expected not to offer Mucha a new deal when his current agreement expires in the summer.
But with Tim Howard recovering from two broken bones in his back, the Slovakian shot-stopper will be given further opportunities to impress David Moyes in the coming weeks.
And Moyes could yet choose to offer Mucha a short-term deal, with Everton in any case looking to bolster their goalkeeping resources in the next transfer window.
Howard’s injury has exposed the lack of senior options in goal with 19-year-old Mason Springthorpe having been on the bench for Everton’s last three games.
Moyes will face a midfield selection headache when the Premier League run-in begins next week after the forthcoming international break.
Both Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar will sit out the home game against Stoke City on Saturday week and the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on April 7 having picked up two-game bans in the win over City.
Fellaini picked up his 10th yellow card of the season while Pienaar was dismissed for the second time this campaign for two bookable offences.
Meanwhile, Fellaini is confident there will be more to come from Belgian compatriot Kevin Mirallas next season.
Mirallas scored 20 times for Greek champions Olympiakos last season, and has netted five times during an injury-affected debut campaign for Everton, two of which have come in his last four games.
And Felllaini said: "Everybody knows he has quality. He can score goals and is an important player for Everton.
"Is there more to come? Of course.
"Every game he can contribute and I think he has. I hope for him that he keeps going like this.
"He can dribble and is involved in the action, which is important for forward players.
"He can score goals and takes good corners, so he is important for the team."
Everton youngster John Lundstram is set to extend his stay with npower League One leaders Doncaster Rovers after a deal was agreed to keep the midfielder at the Keepmoat Stadium until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old has spent the last month at Brian Flynn’s side, making six appearances.
And Flynn said: "John has a great variety of passing and it is as good as you see from a young lad.
"He is hungry for the football and has no fear. He just wants the ball – he is hungry to do well and also has loads of energy."
