Vaughan returns from Palace loan

Striker James Vaughan has returned to Everton after a three-month loan spell with npower Championship side Crystal Palace.

The 22-year-old scored five goals in 14 appearances for the Eagles, including a first senior hat-trick in a victory over Portsmouth in September.

Vaughan did limp out of his last game – a goalless draw with Hull last weekend - and his spell at Selhurst Park also included a red card, but the overall impression he made was positive.

That could be good news for Everton boss David Moyes, whose strikers have struggled in front of goal this season, but Palace would be keen to have him back.

Manager George Burley said: “James Vaughan is going to be badly missed. We were trying to bring in a striker before the deadline last month but we weren’t able to do that.

“There is a chance we could bring him back in January but that’s between the clubs and James himself. I’ve had a chat with him.”