DARRON GIBSON can still play an influential part in Everton’s season despite being hampered by an ongoing injury, says David Moyes.

The Republic of Ireland international midfielder is nursing a thigh complaint which requires surgery in the summer, but is able to soldier on until May.

And although the problem – which has already caused him to miss 17 games so far this season – is limiting his ability to shine, Moyes still believes the Manchester United man has plenty to offer.

He said: “I think we are in control of Gibson but there is a danger. We thought he might have needed an operation earlier in the year but the medical staff have managed it well. We think we can get away with it just now, but he is going to need it sometime.

“It could come at any time. I think he can offer more but maybe it is just the injury holding him back a bit.

“I don’t question his character because he had come from a club that instils that in you. We are not going to let him roll over so we can tickle his belly.

“He is going to have to get up and get on with it and he has done that to be fair to him.

“The injury has tempered him from shooting and taking corners. That is a big part of his game and at times I have considered not using him but he has done ok. He can get better and I keep trying to prod at him.”

Moyes said earlier in the season that he felt he had to ‘crack the whip’ more with the former Manchester United man, but he has been satisfied with his response so far.

“I meant mentally prod at him to get a bit more devilment in him in the things that he does,” he added. “But I can’t prod at him too much while he is carrying this injury. He has a wee bit of calcification at the top of his thigh.”

Tim Howard is the biggest injury worry for Everton today - with a back problem meaning Jan Mucha could be in line for his Premier League debut against Reading.