Yobo impresses Moyes

Everton manager David Moyes has backed Joseph Yobo to step up to the mark in the absence of injured defender Phil Jagielka.

Centreback Jagielka is recovering from an operation in midweek to repair the anterior ligament he ruptured in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City. Yobo will slot in alongside Joleon Lescott in Jagielka’s absence and Moyes insists the Nigeria defender is an excellent replacement.


“I think if you look at the games we’ve played Yobo has played a lot of games,” Moyes said. “You certainly cannot go through the season with only two centrebacks or two centre-forwards. Joe has played a big part of the season already, so I don’t think him coming into the team is that big news.”

Forward James Vaughan, who has missed five months of this campaign with a knee problem himself, said the latest blow on the injury-front was just something the squad had to take in their stride.


Earlier in the season they lost Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Achilles), Mikel Arteta (knee) and Victor Anichebe (knee).


“Phil’s probably been our best player, but we’ve coped all season without important players and we will have to do the same again,” Vaughan told the Daily Post. “I’ve been there, but Jags is a professional and he will get his rehab done and be back as soon as possible.”