Moyes reassures Baines
27 Feb 2008 - 17:01:35
Everton manager David Moyes believes Leighton Baines will eventually beat his injury problems and enjoy a long and fruitful spell at Goodison Park.
The 23-year-old moved to Merseyside from Wigan Athletic last summer but has endured a frustrating season with hamstring and ankle injuries restricting him to only ten Premier League starts for the club.
Moyes said: "I've spoken to Leighton. I've reassured him. But he's got nothing to worry about because he's got a big future as a left-back here.
"If we're going to challenge for trophies in the future, I honestly don't think there can be a guaranteed place for anyone.
"We've got competition everywhere. The three central defenders have been absolutely top drawer.
"There are people here who we're desperately trying to get games, just look at Leighton. We think the world of him and he's going to be our left-back for a long time to come.
"But, just at the present time, for different reasons, he's finding it hard to get in. He's picked up one or two niggling injuries and that's cost him. But I can see him being Everton's left-back for many years."