Moyes calls on fringe players to take their chance

EVERTON manager David Moyes is calling on his fringe players to step up to the plate tonight so they can bow out of the group stages of the UEFA Cup with a 100% record.

With a Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United to come on Sunday at Old Trafford, he has opted to leave Yakubu, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Joseph Yobo and goalkeeper Tim Howard at home.

Moyes, however, is determined to end AZ Alkmaar’s home record stretching over 32 matches and dash the hosts’ hopes of progress in the competition.

Everton themselves have not tasted defeat in the last 12 games – winning 10 of them – and the Scottish boss was in bullish mood on the eve of the Dutch test.

Moyes said: “The important thing for us we have already qualified from the group.

“We are on a very good run and want to keep it going. By the same token we are in middle of a hectic period with many games coming up.

“So we will change our side around tomorrow – but we are not showing any disrespect to AZ. There will be a lot of senior players in the team, international players as well.

“If Louis van Gaal (AZ coach) was in charge of Everton I am sure he would do the same thing.

“AZ will make it difficult as they want to qualify and I am keen to see the kind of the quality we have in the squad.

“Are they good enough to play for Everton? That’s what I will assess.

“It is not about the team today but the squad – a group effort.

“It will be a real good game for us and one we are looking forward to.”

German goalkeeper Stefan Wessels will return between the posts while midfielder Thomas Gravesen is almost certain to get a run-out.

Andy Johnson looks likely to be partnered by Victor Anichebe in attack against an AZ side languishing in the middle of the Dutch league.

With Leon Osman, Phil Neville, Alan Stubbs and Leighton Baines all out injured, Moyes has included several teenagers in his squad.

They include 16-year old Birkdale-born midfielder Jack Rodwell, a former captain of England schools.