Late test for Pienaar
Posted Saturday, October 17, 2009 by PA
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar will undergo a late fitness test to see whether he is fit to face Wolves at Goodison Park.
The South Africa international's knee injury has kept him out of the club's last two matches.
Manager David Moyes is still awaiting the return of USA goalkeeper Tim Howard from international duty.
Moyes admits the result is all that matters against Wolves.
After another international break, in which he has seen the likes of Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill travel to Australia, all Moyes is concerned about is winning.
Everton's Barclays Premier League season has been disrupted probably more than most as European commitments have meant they have often had to play on a Sunday.
This game is, in fact, their first Saturday 3pm kick-off of the campaign and Moyes is keen to extend a six-match unbeaten run - spoiled only by the home draw with Stoke immediately prior to the international break.
"Points are always important in the Premier League and we have to try to get three," he said.
"We failed against Stoke. I thought our performance was even better than at Portsmouth the week before (a 1-0 win).
"In truth I'm looking for a more consistent level of performance but I'll settle for playing badly again and taking the three points.
"The international breaks have become quite a difficult thing this year with one every month and another one coming up in November.
"I think the players are finding it very tough to be involved in international games and then come back to their club sides.
"They know they have got a big summer coming up and putting them through the football they are paid for with clubs sides and then playing internationals and then again at the end of the season you wonder where they get any time for themselves.
"There are a lot of games for these boys to play."
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will make a late decision on whether to start with Ecuador international midfielder Segundo Castillo.
Castillo has been on international duty in South America this week and McCarthy wants to assess how the long haul back to England has taken its toll on him before finalising his line-up.
Castillo will be keen to figure as he was on loan at Everton last season.
McCarthy is set to make changes to his side as winger Michael Kightly (hip and foot) and striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (hamstring) are fit to return to the starting line-up.
Kightly has not started since March while Ebanks-Blake was last in the starting line-up on the opening day of the season against West Ham.
Ahead of the game, McCarthy has paid tribute to Everton counterpart Moyes
McCarthy has admitted he is a huge admirer of the way that Moyes has made Everton a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
Everton have finished fifth in each of the last two seasons and McCarthy knows his side will face one of their sternest tests of the season.
McCarthy, whose team are bidding to avoid a third straight league defeat, said: "David has done a great job at Everton.
"They have been getting better and better. He has done well and got the best out of everyone.
"He has won the manager of the year twice so he is recognised by his peers as well for doing a very good job.
"But to get beyond finishing fifth takes an extra level of investment which I don't think they will have."
- Tag:
Photos
More»
Meet Jude Bellingham's stunning girlfriend Laura
Thursday April 25 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Man Utd 4 - 2 Sheffield United
Thursday April 25 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
Wednesday April 24 2024
Your Say