Everton doing their best to protect Gravesen

EVERTON are doing all they can to protect inspirational midfielder Thomas Gravesen on the pitch, but they may find the problems come off it.

The Denmark mid-fielder has become the key figure behind their charge to third in the Premiership and he will once again be the main man when they face Charlton today.

Such is his importance now that coach Alan Irvine admitted the midfielder was taken off for his own protection in the fiery battle with Manchester City on Boxing Day.