Alan Pardew: “I thought he did well (in the 4-3 defeat) against Man United.
“He was unfortunate for one of the goals - he got smashed in the face just before they scored.
“I don’t think he’s been particularly fortunate in some situations.
“But I do think he can play better. Like everybody, we know he’s not far away.
“If we can get another 10 per cent out of him, and have (Vurnon) Anita and (Mike) Williamson back in the team, I really don’t think we’re far away.
"We have Coloccini, Mike Williamson and Steven Taylor.
“I’d just have to choose what I think are the best pair, and stick with it.
“I think it’s very important to have continuity with the back four. I haven’t really had any options there - no Ryan Taylor or Steven Taylor.
“I haven’t had the luxury of giving Coloccini a rest in the odd game. We got from week to week with the same back four.
“They’re going to get tired. They worked so hard at Manchester United - they were spent.
“We couldn’t really get tight to anyone in that last 20 minutes - I felt sorry or them. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to wear that result. It’s history.
“It’s neither here nor there now - it’s about Everton.
“For two days, this team, trust me, won’t do hardly anything.
“They’ll do it all on the board, as we can’t afford to lose anyone in training. More importantly, we need the rest.”