Duo set for Toffees return

Everton midfielders Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell are in contention for a return from injury in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash with QPR.

Neither man has played for the first team since the 2-1 defeat by Bolton on January 4, with Osman ruled out by a knee problem while Rodwell has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

But both featured in yesterday’s reserve match against Bolton, with Osman playing for 45 minutes and scoring in the 2-2 draw while Rodwell managed an hour.

Reserve team manager Alan Stubbs told www.evertonfc.com: “Ossie was very good from the off and got 45 minutes under his belt, which should put him in contention for Saturday.

“He should have scored twice and I told him that at half-time, but he was our chief instigator in the first half – he was at the heart of everything.

“He showed some fantastic first touches and is just a very, very intelligent footballer so it is great for the manager to have him back in contention. Jack also played 60 minutes and that is great for him and also is another player back for the manager.”