Baardsen on bench for Blues clash

Former Watford goalkeeper Espen Baardsen will be on the bench for Everton against Birmingham on Boxing Day after signing a short-term contract.

He has been drafted in as cover with both Steve Simonsen and Paul Gerrard injured.

Full back Tony Hibbert will eventually need surgery on a hernia problem but could face Birmingham despite having a gashed thigh.

Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo is available again after suspension but David Unsworth is still banned.

Provisional squad: Wright, Hibbert, Pistone, Stubbs, Yobo, Weir, Naysmith, Carsley, Pembridge, Gravesen, Radzinski, Rooney, Campbell, Watson, Li Tie, Baardsen, Gemmill.