Anichebe returns for Toffees

Everton striker Victor Anichebe returned to the side for the first time since his training ground bust-up with boss David Moyes earlier this month in today’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Aston Villa.

With new loan signing Jo cup-tied, James Vaughan, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Louis Saha all injured, the Everton boss was left with little choice but to reinstate the Nigerian.

The Goodison Park hosts were also without the suspended Steven Pienaar while Leon Osman was a late withdrawal with a rib problem.

Aston Villa had Gareth Barry banned and striker Emile Heskey was out, following his controversial use in England’s midweek international in Spain, with an Achilles injury.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Gosling, Neville, Arteta, Rodwell, Cahill, Anichebe.

Subs: Nash, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Jacobsen, Baxter, Wallace.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Gardner, Knight, Davies, Luke Young, Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew.

Subs: Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey, Albrighton, Lowry.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)