Stubbs eager to retain place

ALAN STUBBS turns 36 on Saturday but maintains a boyish and refreshing enthusiasm for the game.

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.