Everton Football Club

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42440

Pienaar targets swift return

07 Feb 2008 - 12:48:07

Click To Enlarge

Injured midfielder Steven Pienaar could provide Everton with a timely boost by returning in time to face Brann in the UEFA Cup next week.

The 25-year-old was expected to miss the next three weeks after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with an ankle problem.

But the South Africa international now believes he could be fit enough to be in contention for next week's return to European action.

"It's sad to go out early in a tournament and my injury is getting better so by next week I hope to be better," he told the club's official website.

"It is nice to be back, it's like I have never been away with all the jokes."

Meanwhile, Pienaar has kept up to date with all the Toffees matches - including their Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea - while away on international duty in Ghana.

"I watched the Wigan and Manchester City games," he continued.

"Chelsea was a big disappointment for me as a player and of course for the club because I really wanted to play in a semi-final.

"All players want to win cups at some point in their career."