Ferguson doubt rocks Everton

Everton have been rocked by the prospect of Duncan Ferguson missing Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

The big Scottish striker, who has won a reputation for reserving his best performances for matches against the Old Trafford, is struggling with a back injury.

Manager David Moyes, whose selection for the fifth round match has already been hit by suspensions and injuries, has revealed Ferguson is now a major doubt.

Moyes said: “Duncan has a sore back and it is making him very doubtful for Saturday’s game.”

Ferguson gained his reputation as the hammer of Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams with two goals at Old Trafford to earn a point back in 1996.

And with James Beattie suspended for three matches, Ferguson – who has been expected to leave Goodison Park in the summer when his £35,000-a-week contract comes to an end – it was expected the giant striker would have played in the cup clash.

Moyes also has Leon Osman and James McFadden only 50-50 for the match with knee and thigh injuries respectively, and will be without long-term injured duo Li Tie and Steve Watson.

Tim Cahill is also out as he serves a one-match ban, so Moyes’ squad of 17 players – including goalkeepers Richard Wright and Nigel Martyn – available for the match. And that includes Ferguson, Osman and McFadden.

But Moyes said: “We knew there would be parts of the season that would be difficult but we are fully aware of it and I suppose that in a lot of ways we would rather it be in the FA Cup where we had them.

“But we would rather not have it, we have a couple of injuries and suspensions, though I am sure it is no worse than any other team in the Premiership.”