A new centre half becoming a priority for Everton FC following injury to Phil Jagielka

Jan 7 2012 by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo

DAVID MOYES admits Phil Jagielka's injury has altered his January transfer plans with signing a new centre half now a pressing concern.

England defender Jagielka hobbled off just before half-time on Wednesday night when Everton played host to Bolton Wanderers and having undergone scans, the 29-year-old has been ruled out for up to six weeks with medial ligament damage.

The injury leaves the Blues painfully thin in that position and though Moyes recalled 20-year-old Shane Duffy from his loan at League One side Scunthorpe United this week, scouring the loan market this month for a more experienced operator is at the forefront of his thinking.

Permanent transfers are unlikely before the close of the window admits Moyes, though the manager continues to go in search of bargain buys.

With Leon Osman requiring treatment to rid his knee of floating bone and Jack Rodwell to be given additional time to allow his hamstring injury to mend correctly, Everton are nursing several knocks as they prepare for the visit of Tamworth in the FA Cup today.

Moyes, who also had concerns with over Ross Barkley, is confident the side can cope but says this afternoon's selection will have one eye on the midweek trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Only Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga remain as fit senior central defenders and though Moyes could ask others to deputise out of position should the pair pick up injuries, heading to White Hart Lane in four days without a proven partnership would be a daunting prospect.

"It wasn't a priority, we had other priorities, but that may change at the moment because of Jagielka's injury," said Moyes on finding a new centre half.

"He has got medial ligament damage which will keep him out for up to six weeks.

"We are looking to try and do something (in the transfer window). We are looking in the loan market. But if we will see if there is anything else which will be right for us.

"We always try to give the supporters every bit of information we can when we have anything to give. We would like to add in one or two certain positions. The injury to Phil Jagielka leaves us short at centre half but adding one or two is not easy in this month. It has never been an easy time to bring players in but we will try.

"Shane Duffy is in the frame for today's game because we have only got two centre halves."

Moyes was able to welcome Royston Drenthe back to training yesterday and remained hopeful Marouane Fellaini and Seamus Coleman - both absent from the 2-1 defeat against Bolton - will be involved this afternoon.

"We'll still get people games," he said.

"We have a big game coming up at Tottenham in the league so have to be ready for that as well.

"I've got enough to pick from, the squad is okay. Royston Drenthe returned to training yesterday after being ill for nearly two weeks so we'll see how he is.

"Ross has been out injured because of a problem with his knee. We're not sure how long he will be out, I couldn't be sure."

Although the threat of an FA Cup upset will linger in the air before kick-off, Moyes admits he is far happier facing non-league Tamworth in the third round than one of the Premier League powerhouses.

But having taken old club Preston North End into tie with heavy favourites from the top tier, Moyes is aware that the Conference side will serve up a performance worthy of the occasion.

Following the midweek loss to Bolton, Moyes made it clear he was deeply unhappy with the performance and says certain players must improve today against a Tamworth side who are sure to be full of fight.

"I would rather be playing Tamworth at home than Chelsea. We prepare the game in the same fashion, go into it the same way, give the players their warnings but obviously expect them to go out and perform," said Moyes.

"I have been there before and you always remember it. I have been a manager at Preston when we have been 2-0 up against Arsenal, who had Vieira, Petit, Overmars and Henry and Bergkamp, a minute before half time. I’ve been there and know what it is like.

“ I have been here as manager as Preston and I've been to Chelsea as manager of Preston so I know what that is like. The teams always raise their games where as it can be harder for the teams who are favourites to do that.

"It reminds you of the fear that you don't want to have again, but I think nobody has asked me about the great run we had en route to the final, the great teams we had to beat to get there.

"The players one or two individually have to perform much better than they have done. It will also give one or two others a chance to show what they are capable of."