Everton FC News: David Moyes happy for James Vaughan to become the loan ranger

Sep 16 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC latest: David Moyes happy for James Vaughan to become the loan ranger

Everton FC News: DAVID MOYES is willing to allow James Vaughan to leave Everton on loan – with Middlesbrough preparing a move for the injury-plagued striker.

Vaughan has played just eight minutes of first-team action this season as a late substitute in the 4-0 Europa League win over Sigma Olomouc last month.

Moyes has previously admitted to having to coax the striker back to full fitness as the striker strives to rediscover his match sharpness.

A succession of serious injuries have meant Vaughan has made just 10 starts since becoming the youngest goalscorer in Everton’s history with a debut strike as substitute against Crystal Palace in April 2005.

Recently sidelined by a minor knee problem, the 21-year-old enjoyed a 90-minute run-out for the reserves in their 2-0 defeat against Hull City on Monday night.

But with Yakubu and Victor Anichebe returning to fitness to bolster Everton’s attacking options, Moyes is prepared to let Vaughan depart temporarily with Coca-Cola Championship side Middlesbrough contemplating a loan offer.

“We think it would benefit him to get some games under his belt,” said Moyes. “We have not been able to do that for the boy and he has missed a lot of football, so we wouldn’t be opposed to it (going on loan).”

Vaughan began just two games last season, a campaign wrecked by a knee operation that was delayed by almost a month.

He was eventually rushed back into action during the closing weeks of the season and even made a substitute appearance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley, but appeared some way short of fitness during his pre-season outings.

Everton’s injury problems deepened this week with Phil Neville set to discover today the extent of the injury to the posterior ligament in his left knee.

Neville suffered the damage in a strong challenge with Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage, and if an operation is required the 32-year-old could be sidelined for up to four months.

Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Anichebe have suffered similar injuries this year, and Jagielka has pledged his support to Neville.

“It goes without saying that we were all gutted to see ‘Phizzer’ carried off and, as our captain, he will be missed just as much off the pitch as he will be on it,” said Jagielka, who is on course for a first-team return in November.

“He’s a big influence around the place and I’ve got a pretty good idea of how bad he’ll be feeling at the minute – it’s not something you ever want to experience as a footballer.

“But we are a tight bunch here and when he gets the go ahead to start doing his rehab, there will be plenty of people who will give him encouragement or supportive words.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long before he is back.”