Everton Football Club News

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

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Vaughan out of Toffees tie

08 Nov 2007 - 08:54:55

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Everton striker James Vaughan has been ruled out of Thursday's UEFA Cup tie with Nurnberg after picking up a thigh strain.

The 19-year-old striker made a goalscoring return to the first team in last weekend's 3-1 Premier League victory over Birmingham City.

But a thigh problem picked up in training means Vaughan was left behind when the Toffees flew out to Germany for their Group A clash on Wednesday morning.

Fellow striker Andrew Johnson (foot) will also miss the group stage clash alongside Alan Stubbs (hamstring), while left-back Leighton Baines faces a late fitness test on an ankle problem that has sidelined him for the last two games.

"James has not picked up a knock," manager David Moyes told the club's official website.

"He had a thigh strain last week and he was okay with it but he did some shooting on Monday and felt it a little bit so we felt it was better to leave him at home and not take any risks with him because we don't want him continually playing through injuries.

"I know that as a player he will want to play, but we need to take the right decisions for him.

"Andy Johnson also hasn't travelled. Someone stood on his foot in training and it caused him some bruising so that has put him back a little."