Stubbs eager to retain place
Playing for boyhood idols Everton is the stuff of his dreams and keeps the central defender motivated in the autumn of his career.
Stubbs is expected to retain his place in the side tonight against Metalist Kharkiv in the UEFA Cup after an impressive display in the 2-0 defeat of Middlesbrough on Sunday.
A long trip to Ukraine’s second city would dampen the spirit of many an individual but the former Celtic and Bolton stalwart is relishing the challenge that lies immediately ahead.
He said: “It would be lovely to play on Thursday as I am really enjoying my football.
“I am doing something I have always wanted to do and that is play for Everton. If I do not enjoy it now I never will.”
Everton are aiming to make the group stages but face a tough task after the first-round, first-leg game ended in a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
Stubbs missed that match but goes into the return in buoyant mood following the win against Middlesbrough.
“It was important we had a good performance like that as we can go into this game full of confidence, ” he said.
Stubbs believes Spain playmaker Mikel Arteta could be a key man against a Metalist side that lie fourth in their league.
Arteta pulled the strings at the weekend after a three-match absence through injury.
Stubbs said: “You always miss class and Mikel is a class player.
“When he is on form he makes us tick. I think he is going to be an important player on Thursday.”
Everton manager David Moyes will monitor the fitness of striker Andrew Johnson and midfielder Leon Osman ahead of the match.
Both players have been suffering from groin problems but were in the travelling party.
Nuno Valente remains doubtful with a foot injury but the tie has come too soon for Thomas Gravesen following a knee problem.
Meanwhile, Sammy Lee insists Bolton supporters remain firmly behind him ahead of tonight’s vital UEFA Cup tie against Rabotnicki Kometal.
Failure to edge past the Macedonian league leaders and book a place in the UEFA Cup group stages would place more pressure on the beleaguered Wanderers boss.
The Trotters, who have claimed top-eight finishes in the past four seasons, lie 19th in the Barclays Premier League after an awful start to the season which has brought Lee’s position under intense scrutiny.
And yet the former Liverpool midfielder is adamant he retains the backing of the fans.
He is quick to point out that his men host Rabotnicki on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, which included a crucial 1-1 draw in Skopje a fortnight ago.
Jermaine Jenas hopes the congested fixture schedule after the international break will bring the best out of Tottenham and boss Martin Jol.
Barring a monumental collapse at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, Spurs should ease into the next phase of the UEFA Cup at the expense of Anorthosis Famagusta after taking a 6-1 lead to Cyprus.
Reaching the group stages for consecutive years would mean seven games in 21 days on return from international duty, giving Spurs the chance to turn around their dismal start to the season.
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