Everton midfielder Darron Gibson back in action after thigh injury

Everton manager David Moyes has received a welcome injury boost after midfielder Darron Gibson returned from a thigh injury to feature in the U-21s game with Reading. The Republic of Ireland international has been out of action since picking up the injury in the 2-0 defeat at West Brom on 1 September. But he has been progressing well and is now closing on a return to first team action, while centre-back Sylvain Distin also featured against the Royals. Gibson's return gives Moyes some positive injury news, after captain Phil Neville was ruled out for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee problem.