Source: Liverpool_Echo
David Moyes warning for Everton ahead of Europa League clash
DAVID MOYES today challenged his squad to prove they can make light of Steven Pienaar’s absence – then warned them to underestimate BATE Borisov at their peril.
The South African midfielder has been Everton’s outstanding performer so far this season but misses tonight’s Europa League game in Minsk due to a knee injury.
Pienaar is one of nine senior first team players who Moyes will be without here in Minsk and Jack Rodwell is included in that figure after developing ‘flu-like’ symptoms.
But as much as he knows that Pienaar and Rodwell’s undoubted influence will be missed, Everton’s manager is refusing to dwell on those he has left behind.
Knowing that a win against BATE would put Everton in control of Group I, he has urged those who have travelled to ensure Pienaar is not missed by getting a positive result.
“We have got an awful lot of young players with us and we are short of numbers for this game but that’s something we will deal with,” said Moyes.
“Steven has been very good for us and Jack was probably due a bit of a breather but whenever we have lost anyone in the past, someone has always stepped forward.
“Mikel (Arteta) and Steven are really important players and they help us keep the ball well but now I want to see someone step up, take control and give us good possession.”
