Proper football returns

Last updated : 04 April 2003 By Martyn Elliott

It has been a pretty forgettable time for most of our players on international duty, so let’s hope that doesn’t adversely effect them at Goodison Park.

The international games have also proved costly in terms of injuries, with Hugo Viana sidelined for a few weeks with a recurrence of his shoulder injury while Gary Speed and Nolberto Solano have picked up minor knocks that may see them miss Sunday’s game.

There was also one press report that Craig Bellamy had aggravated his longstanding knee problem playing for Wales, but this remains unconfirmed.

Still Alan Shearer and Jonathan Woodgate are definitely fit for the Everton game.

The Toffees have injury problems of their own though, but unfortunately that means that Wayne Rooney is a likely starter.

David Moyes only other option appears to be to partner Kevin Campbell with fit again Duncan Ferguson, but that seems a little hopeful.

Tomasz Radzinski and Alessandro Pistone are definitely ruled out, while Brian McBride’s loan period has finished.

Whoever lines up in this vital game it will certainly be a relief to everyone that football is back.