Gibson could make Everton start
Midfielder Darron Gibson could make his return to the Everton starting line-up in the Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
Gibson was back in action as a substitute in the 2-1 win over West Brom on Wednesday after a thigh problem which had kept him out since the end of December.
It remains to be seen whether or not striker Nikica Jelavic will be restored to the first XI having been dropped to the bench for the Baggies match.
Deadline day recruit John Stones is available and relishing the prospect of enhancing his game by working alongside some of the star names at the club.
The 18-year-old right-back completed his move from npower Championship side Barnsley on a five-and-a-half year contract shortly before the transfer window closed at 11pm last night, and he cannot wait to get started with the Toffees.
"There are a few nerves because it's a new challenge for me," Stones said.
"Every player wants to play in the Premier League and I've left an amazing club which is very close to my heart and left some very good people back there who I can't thank enough.
"But I've joined an amazing club, I'm here at Everton now and I'm looking forward to every minute of it.
"I'm a hard working player and I'll give everything for the team, which every other player here does.
"I like to get forward a lot but I'm a defender and that's my job, defending."
Villa newcomers Yacouba Sylla and Simon Dawkins have been included in the squad.
Midfielder Sylla was signed from French Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot while winger Dawkins has joined on loan from Tottenham.
Manager Paul Lambert said: "The two of them are ready to go. I wouldn't have any fear about throwing them in, whether it is against Everton or West Ham next weekend.
"Sylla will come in and will give us something we don't have with a bit of steel. He'll give us something in the middle of the pitch we haven't got.
"He will get stuck right in and you need players to do the dirty work.
"Simon can play anywhere. He will surprise people with the way he plays the game. He will create and make things happen.
"The lad is unknown and sometimes that's a good thing because you don't know what you are going to get.
"He can play anywhere across the middle. He had a spell in America [with San Jose Earthquakes] where he has been incredible. He's been in great form."
Lambert will check on the fitness of midfielder Fabian Delph who missed the defeat against Newcastle with an ankle injury.
But defender Richard Dunne's hopes of a comeback have been dashed by a recurrence of his groin problem.
Source: PA
