Bent blow for Everton

Marcus Bent is Everton’s one major doubt for the Carling Cup trip to Bristol City as the Merseysiders seek to extend their four-match unbeaten run.

Bent, who scored the winner on Sunday against Middlesbrough, has hamstring strains in both legs and the big striker is unlikely to be risked at Ashton Gate.

Everton intend to field a strong side against the First Division outfit, but David Moyes also plans to give a run-out to players who are on the fringes of his team which currently stands third in the Barclays Premiership.

Everton insist they will not be using youngsters in the side, but it is likely that goalkeeper Richard Wright, defender Joseph Yobo, midfielder Tim Cahill - now available after a one-match ban – and strikers Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Campbell and Nick Chadwick could come into the equation.

Everton provisional squad: Martyn, Wright, Pistone, Yobo, Stubbs, Weir, Naysmith, Hibbert, McFadden, Kilbane, Gravesen, Cahill, Chadwick, Ferguson, Bent, Campbell, Osman, Carsley, Watson.