Neill to wait for debut - 7M sport

Neill to wait for debut

Posted Sunday, September 20, 2009 by PA

New signing Lucas Neill is unlikely to make the squad for Everton's match at home to former club Blackburn because of his lack of match fitness.

Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's groin injury will be assessed after he was substituted in the Europa Cup victory over AEK Athens but a place on the bench is probably his best hope.

Captain Phil Neville has been ruled out for at least a couple of months with a knee injury sustained in last weekend's defeat at Fulham.

Victor Anichebe, out since last season with a knee injury, is set for an operation next week to remove a pin which will put back his return to action by at least two to three weeks.

Boss David Moyes is hopeful his side, who are next to bottom of the Premier League after just one victory, can take confidence from the 4-0 European hammering of AEK into the encounter against Sam Allardyce's Rovers side.

"I would have swapped that result for the same against Blackburn because we have to get the Premier League up and running, it is your bread and butter," he said.

"You don't want to be at the bottom, it is not nice looking at your position, but that is where we are because we haven't won the games.

"Sam's teams are very honest, hard-working and committed and always give you a good game.

"You have to be tough when you play a Blackburn side managed by Sam Allardyce and we need to be able to compete."

Allardyce finds himself in the rare position of having a full-strength squad at his disposal.

Midfielder Steven Nzonzi (foot) and striker Benni McCarthy (ankle) have both recovered from injuries and they are added to last week's squad which beat Wolves.

Former Everton defender Lars Jacobsen will hope to keep his place in the side despite competition from Michel Salgado as he returns to Goodison Park for the first time since his summer move.

Jacobsen said: "There are no hard feelings. I enjoyed my year at Everton. I spoke to the manager after I signed for Blackburn and he wished me good luck and I wished Everton good luck.

"I still think Everton are a great club. I talk to a lot of people there and I have to thank them for letting me play in an FA Cup final."

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