Everton Football Club News

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

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Yakubu back in Toffees fold

13 Feb 2008 - 07:21:48

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Everton manager David Moyes has included troubled striker Ayegbeni Yakubu in his travelling party to face SK Brann in the UEFA Cup.

The Nigeria international has been reinstated to the squad just days after falling foul of a furious Moyes when he returned late from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The £11.25million August signing was dropped from the squad to face Reading in the league last weekend and fined a reported £80,000 by the Toffees boss.

However, after facing up to his team-mates the 14-goal striker could feature against the Norwegian side in Wednesday's first leg last 32 tie.

"We love The Yak," goalkeeper Tim Howard told the club's official website.

"He's been a hugely positive influence on us, not just with the amount of goals he has scored for the team but in the dressing room as well.

"Yes, these things happen but it has been dealt with and the manager has taken care of that. Now we all get on with it.

"Yak has spoken to us and the sooner we get past it, the better. Beating Reading was a great way to get past it."

Meanwhile, Moyes also confirmed that Mikel Arteta will not be available after the Spanish midfielder picked up a groin injury.

He has remained on Merseyside with fellow absentees Thomas Gravesen (knee) and Steven Pienaar (ankle).