Qualifying Blues

England have been handed a favourable draw for the 2014 World Cup Qualifying stages, but what does the draw mean for Everton's international stars? We're going to take a look...

Africa

Our Nigerian trio of Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe have seen their country drawn alongside Malawi, Seychelles/Kenya and Djibouti/Namibia in Group F of the African qualifying stages. The fixtures will be played from June 1, 2012 until September 10, 2013. The full draw is as follows:

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• Group A: South Africa, Botswana, Central African Republic, Somalia or Ethiopia
• Group B: Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea or Madagascar
• Group C: Ivory Coast, Morocco, Gambia, Chad or Tanzania
• Group D: Ghana, Zambia, Sudan, Lesotho or Burundi
• Group E: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, Sao Tome Principe or Congo
• Group F: Nigeria, Malawi, Seychelles or Kenya, Djibouti or Namibia
• Group G: Egypt, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Comoros or Mozambique
• Group H: Algeria, Mali, Benin, Eritrea or Rwanda
• Group I: Cameroon, Libya, Guinea-Bissau or Togo, Swaziland or DR Congo
• Group J: Senegal, Uganda, Angola, Mauritius or Liberia

Asia

You may be thinking that Everton don't have any Asian players - but think again, because FIFA qualify Australia as an Asian nation. Tim Cahill's socceroos will play Saudi Arabia, Oman and Thailand in Group D, and will need to finish first or second to advance to the next stage. The full Asian draw is as follows:

• Group A: China, Jordan, Iraq, Singapore
• Group B: South Korea, Kuwait, UAE, Lebanon
• Group C: Japan, Uzbekistan, Syria, North Korea
• Group D: Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Thailand
• Group E: Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia

CONCACAF

Tim Howard's USA side have been afforded the luxury of being fast-tracked to round two of the CONCACAF qualifying stages. This means they will face Jamaica, along with the winners of groups E and F:

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• Group A: El Salvador, Suriname, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic
• Group B: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Bermuda
• Group C: Panama, Dominica, Nicaragua, Bahamas
• Group D: Canada, St Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, St Lucia
• Group E: Grenada, Guatemala, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize
• Group F: Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, US Virgin Islands
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• Round Two
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• Group A: USA, Jamaica, Winner E, Winner F
• Group B: Mexico, Costa Rica, Winner A, Winner B
• Group C: Honduras, Cuba, Winner D, Winner C.

Oceania

No Everton representatives here and nobody really cares. I'll save you two years of fixtures and tell you that New Zealand have qualified.

Europe

Marouane Fellaini's Belgium have been drawn in Group A of the European qualifying rounds alongside Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Scotland and Wales. Seamus Coleman's Ireland have been handed a very tough group that includes Germany and Sweden, whilst John Heitinga and Holland's biggest rivals in Group D will likely be Turkey.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Russia will hope to qualify from Group F, in which they will have to face Portugal. Group G seems to be the 'group of life' and Jan Mucha's Slovakia will be confident of progressing. The group also includes Greece, for whom Apostolos Vellios may push for inclusion in the squad.

England have been drawn in Group H and Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines will hope to play some part against Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino. And finally, Magaye Gueye may hope to force his way into France's squad for Group I, which also includes World Champions Spain. Full listing:

• Group A: Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland, Macedonia, Wales
• Group B: Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta
• Group C: Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Austria, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan
• Group D: Holland, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra
• Group E: Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland
• Group F: Portugal, Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg
• Group G: Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein
• Group H: England, Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, San Marino
• Group I: Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland

Birmingham City 1-2 Everton

Everton were made to work extremely hard to earn their 2-1 victory at St. Andrew's this afternoon, but second-half goals from Leighton Baines and fit-again Louis Saha secured a third pre-season win in four games.

David Moyes named a strong side for the Midlands fixture; Tim Howard was between the sticks for the first time this pre-season, with a back-four of Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga and Hibbert. The midfield quartet was Bilyaletdinov, Neville, Osman, Coleman and in attack were Beckford and Anichebe.

The new yellow away kit was the only thing making its debut for Everton and the first half certainly suggested that Everton were suffering from a lack of fresh impetus that could have been provided by a new signing or two. We were second best throughout the first period.

Chris Burke, and later 58-year-old Stephen Carr, capitalized on slack defending by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov but both struck their efforts straight at Tim Howard in the Everton goal. The also-returning Tony Hibbert had a tough afternoon dealing with the pace and trickery of Birmingham's Nathan Redmond - who is simply one of those pesky, annoying little pricks.

Everton's best efforts of the first half came via Jermaine Beckford, who did well to wriggle out of the defender's reach and create a shooting opportunity, and then Seamus Coleman, who looked dangerous cutting in from the right hand side.

Chris Hughton would have been much the happier manager at half-time, and our boys were in for a hammering.

Birmingham started the second period in exactly the same fashion as the first and, although they rarely troubled Howard, David Moyes won't have been impressed by our defending in both open play and from set-pieces.

We did take the lead in the 58th minute though, and from a familiar source. Leighton Baines - who further endeared himself to Evertonians in the week by saying that "there's more chance of me winning the next Grand Prix than joining Liverpool" - lined up a free-kick on the edge of the area and, well, we all knew what was going to happen next...

The deadliest left-foot in English football struck again with a well placed free-kick into the bottom-right corner. The goal was Baines' last action of the game as he was then withdrawn and replaced by fit-again-but-probably-not-for-long Louis Saha.

Saha didn't take long to make his mark on the game, reminding us all what a clinical finisher he can be when he is on song and off the treatment table. He found space 20 yards out and hit a low right-footed shot into the corner of the net. It was a goal of great finesse that proved once again what a fantastic player he can be.

More Everton substitutions followed, including the return of the somewhat prodigal Yakubu who, for one reason or another, missed the tour of America. He was welcomed onto the field with a chorus of 'feed the Yak and he will score' and he certainly looked as though he had been well fed.

Birmingham then managed to pull a goal back - which, for their first half efforts, was deserved - through Scottish forward Adam Rooney (no relation). It was a good finish too - Rooney applied a neat little flick onto a wayward shot to divert it in and make it 2-1.

Magaye Gueye - who played at Oxford last night - was introduced and went close with a long-range free-kick, but 2-1 was how it finished. Not a very convincing win but a win nonetheless. There are certainly things to work on before August 13th, but I'd certainly take a scrappy 2-1 win at White Hart Lane on the opening day!

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Howard 7, Hibbert 6, Heitinga 6, Jagielka 6, Baines 8, Coleman 6, Neville 7, Osman 5, Bilyaletdinov 6, Beckford 5, Anichebe 6.

Subs: Distin 6, Cahill 7, Saha 7, Barkley 7, Yakubu 5, Gueye 6.

Oxford United 1-0 Everton XI

As a Southern Toffee at a loose end on a Friday night, I headed along to see the 'stars of tomorrow' in action against Oxford United yesterday. The young Toffees put in a strong performance but were sunk by a fantastic James Constable volley.

Alan Stubbs' squad included five players that had joined up with the first team on the recent American tour; Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye, Conor McAleny, Apostolos Vellios and goalkeeper Adam Davies.

After paying my £14 - yes, £14 for a reserve friendly - I was admitted into the Kassam Stadium. It was, quite frankly a bit shit. The most obvious thing about the ground was that it only had three sides, a fact that, to the continuous annoyance of the ballboys, meant that anytime a shot flew over the fence behind the goal, it would have to be found somewhere in the car park.

I only just arrived in time for kick off after getting trapped in Friday night traffic, although luckily the 60s style scoreboard told me that the line up was; Davies, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Garbutt, Orenuga, Forshaw, Barkley, Gueye, McAleny, Vellios.

With it being a youthful side against a full-strength League 2 side, I was expecting quite an even game. The first half proved anything but. Everton dominated proceedings with Barkley and Forshaw in centre midfield controlling the game.

I had been looking forward to seeing Barkley play for the first time, and I wasn't disappointed. Although he faded a little after the break, for the first 45 minutes he was the best player on the park. His touch, control and passing were all flawless, he always looked for a forward pass or a run and he was utterly comfortable on the ball. He was the creative hub of the team and bore likeness to an on-song Mikel Arteta.

Winger Femi Orenuga also impressed on the right-hand side. He is quick and skilful and reminded me somewhat of Shaun Wright-Phillips. On countless occasions he beat his man and delivered teasing crosses into the box.

Conor McAleny looked lively throughout and was always on the move. He was denied by the foot of the post, shortly before Magaye Gueye had warmed the keeper's gloves with a rasping free-kick. It was fair to say that Everton had the best of the first half, but Vellios' headed effort shortly before the break was another missed opportunity.

Vellios was replaced by Joao Silva at half-time, with Lundstram, Hope and Bidwell all entering the fray later in the second period. Oxford came back into the game and almost went ahead when Tyias Browning's short backpass was well dealt with under pressure by goalkeeper Adam Davies.

Everton should have taken the lead shortly afterwards with a solo counter attack from Ross Barkley. The blue-booted youngster 'did a Beckford' and ran with the ball from inside his own half towards the opposition goal. He was joined by Silva and Orenuga, but elected to try to chip the 'keeper rather than pass. His shot went just wide and that was just about the last action we saw of him as he was withdrawn by Alan Stubbs.

Oxford scored what proved to be the winner on 58 minutes - and it was a goal worthy of winning any match. The ball sat up nicely on the edge of the area and James Constable needed no invitation, sending a powerful volley into the top left hand corner. Unstoppable.

Oxford held onto the lead but it was a pleasing performance from the young Toffees, who did threaten later on in the game through Orenuga and Duffy. It ended 1-0 but as we all know the results are irrelevant in pre-season.

For me, it was an enjoyable evening and a good opportunity to see first hand tomorrow's Goodison heroes.

Remember the name - Ross Barkley.

StickyToffee Ratings: Davies 6, Browning 5, Duffy 6, Mustafi 8, Garbutt 7, Orenuga 8, Forshaw 7, Barkley 8, Gueye 6, McAleny 6, Vellios 5.

Subs: Silva 5, Bidwell 5, Hope 5, Lundstram 5

Birmingham City v Everton Preview

After playing in temperatures approaching 40 degrees centigrade in Philadelphia and Washington, Everton's players will, for once, be looking forward to the trip to St Andrews that awaits this weekend.

The American tour was a success by all accounts, as the players were pushed to their limits in the extreme conditions - something that can only benefit them come the start of the season. We lost by a solitary goal in Philadelphia but recovered to win 3-1 against D.C. United in the American capital.

Now we are back on home soil and preparing to face Birmingham City, who were relegated from the Premiership on the final day of the season just gone. Their Summer has been a torrid one thus far, with players leaving left right and centre, rumours of off-the-pitch troubles and not to mention losing their manager to their most bitter rivals.

As legendary former Everton and Birmingham striker Bob Latchford once said: "It's not all bad being an Evertonian - imagine if you supported Birmingham City - then you'd have something to moan about!"

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Bob Latchford: "It's not all bad being an Evertonian - imagine if you supported Birmingham City!"

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Following their relegation to the second tier of English football, Birmingham have had to suffer the inevitable fate of losing their star players. Barry Ferguson, Roger Johnson, Lee Bowyer, Kevin Phillips, Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson have formed just part of a mass exodus from St Andrews, whilst Scott Dann and Ben Foster look set to follow.

One signing that the Blues have made this Summer is the appointment of Chris Hughton as manager, following Alec McLeish's acrimonious move to second city rivals Aston Villa. If you ask me, that's a fantastic appointment - Hughton is a bright young manager who had great success at Newcastle before being harshly dismissed, and I'm sure he will do well with Birmingham.

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One signing Birmingham have made this Summer is that of Chris Hughton as manager. If you ask me, that's a fantastic appointment.

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In terms of new playing staff Birmingham have made a couple of astute signings (and Marlon King). They've brought in Steven Caldwell from Premier League side Wigan and Chris Burke from Cardiff, both of whom came on free transfers.

Pre-season friendlies are often unpredictable - as proved by Hull's 3-0 demolition job on Liverpool - but is a fixture we should probably win. The real tests lie ahead, with games against Werder Bremen and Villarreal to come at the start of August.

StickyToffee Prediction: Birmingham City 0-2 Everton

I fancy us to win by the same scoreline as last season's match at St. Andrews - and I'm going for Victor Anichebe and Leon Osman to bag the goals.

Rumour: Everton Want Johnson Loan

Everton are weighing up an ambitious move for Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The 24-year-old has become unsettled at City and may play less of a part in Roberto Mancini's plans as the Italian continues to bulk up his squad with £50m mercenaries on £200,000 a week.

City are rumoured to be keen on signing Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci, a move that would push Johnson further down the pecking order.

The Daily Mail says that Everton would like to take Johnson on loan, but may face competition from Chelsea and Sunderland who could afford to table a permanent deal for the player.

StickyToffee Verdict: Would be a fantastic signing in my opinion. Johnson is a very skilful player who may well fancy a move away from the Etihad Stadium. I could see him fitting in very nicely at Goodison.

Rumour: The Hammer At Goodison?

Everton may offer experienced German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger another chance to ply his trade in the Premier League, according to sportsvibe.co.uk.

The former West Ham and Aston Villa man is available on a free transfer after activating a release clause in his contract after West Ham's relegation. The vastly experienced player is believed to want to stay in England.

Hitzlsperger has more than 50 caps for Germany and has won the Bundesliga with Stuttgart.

StickyToffee Verdict: A decent player but not one that we need to bring in - he would only be a squad player. Centre midfield is an area we have an abundance of players; Fellaini, Rodwell, Arteta, Osman, Cahill, Heitinga and Neville can all play there, and so I can't see this one happening.

Rumour: Everton Chase City Misfit

Everton are ready to make a move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, according to reports on click-manchester.com.

After a loan spell at Sunderland Onuoha returned to City's Carrington training ground to find that he no longer had a locker or shirt number. The player is happy to stay but is clearly not part of Mancini's plans.

Onuoha has previously said that he does wish to continue at the Etihad Stadium: "I'd love to stay and fight and until someone tells me to jog on, I'll keep trying."

The centre-back has three years remaining on his Manchester City contract.

StickyToffee Verdict: Unless we sell Jagielka then I see no need for this to happen. And I'm praying we don't sell Jags...

Everton miss out as Charlie Zogs off to Villa

It's almost August and still there have been no new faces through the Finch Farm doors. And now, it seems, we are set to miss out on our number one transfer target, Charles N'Zogbia, after it emerged earlier this week that Wigan and Villa had agreed a fee of £9.5m for the Frenchman. With personal terms yet to be agreed the deal is not fully complete. But the fat lady is clearing her throat.

Joe Kinnear's best mate had been touted as being top of David Moyes' wishlist. But, with it being perfectly clear that Everton must 'sell to buy', was he ever as realistic target?

Our interest in the player was well documented. Indeed, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan revealing that "Villa are not the sole bidders, there are another couple of clubs who are desperate to sign him. It depends how much they can pay up front, because we have got to re-spend that £10m this season to replace Charles."

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"there are another couple of clubs who are desperate to sign him. It depends on how much they can pay up front."

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Registering interest in a player is all well and good but if you do not have the means to follow up that interest with a firm offer, doesn't that render the initial interest futile?

It is the equivalent of driving - in a Vauxhall Astra - to a car showroom and putting your name down on the Ferrari mailing list.

With Yakubu and Yobo still on the Everton books it was always unlikely that we would be able to rival Aston Villa for N'Zogbia's signature. The Vaughan and Pienaar money alone would not have been a sufficient amount and besides, who knows where it is?

The only way that the transfer would have been made feasible was if we'd have sold one of our big money players i.e. Fellaini, Jagielka, Rodwell, Arteta or Baines. And that would have represented taking two steps backwards in order to take one step forward.

All of which begs the question: why were we after someone we clearly couldn't afford?

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The Vaughan and Pienaar money alone would not have been a sufficient amount - and besides, who knows where it is?

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N'Zogbia would have been absolutely perfect for Everton. It is not often you see a player who possesses both versatility and flair, but Charlie Insomnia has both those things in abundance. He can play on both wings, as a central attacking midfielder or even at left-back.

His goals - 7, from the wing - saved Wigan from relegation last season and he will rightly be regarded as a hero at the DW Stadium. He has energy, pace and a deadly left foot. He is not afraid to take on his defender or curl in a shot from long range.

He is the type of player that our left hand side was crying out for last season when we failed to beat the 'lesser' sides (Wigan included). He can, with a burst of speed or a barrage of stepovers, unlock a defence and create opportunities for the team. A partnership with Baines down the left flank would have been a prolific one.

I wish him all the best at Villa - where I'm sure he will succeed - but he will unfortunately serve as another reminder of Everton's barren Summer.

Everton U18s 4-0 Rochdale U18s

Goals from Ben Heneghan, Anton Forrester, Chris Long and Ibou Touray saw Everton U18s cruise to victory over Rochdale in a behind closed doors friendly at Finch Farm.

The Everton side contained many players that played in the wins over NY Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union on the recent tour of the US of A. The full starting line-up was; Fitzgibbon, Higgins, Johns, Heneghan, Nsiala, Barrow, Molyneux, Garbutt, Long, Forrester, Hope.

Everton took the lead when Luke Garbutt's corner was headed down by Anton Forrester into the path of Ben Heneghan who pounced to put the Blues in front.

Striker Chris Long was replaced by Femi Orenuga on the referee's order after some dangerous challenges, but did come back on later in the game. Everton led 1-0 at the break but added a further three goals in the second half through Forrester, Long and Touray.

Rumour: McFadden To Return?

Everton and Blackburn Rovers have been alerted to the availability of former Birmingham City striker James McFadden, Sky Sports understands.

McFadden, who spent five seasons at Everton before moving to Birmingham in January 2008, would be available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at St. Andrews earlier this Summer.

The Scottish international has appeared on the radar of a host of clubs, including cash-strapped Everton and Blackburn Rovers, who are currently searching for replacements for their wantaway duo of Nikola Kalinic and El Hadji Diouf.

StickyToffee Verdict: Would likely be seen as a step backwards for Everton. Would not improve the team but would bolster the paper-thin squad and would not cost us a penny in transfer fee.

D.C. United 1-3 Everton

Everton rounded off the pre-season tour of the US tour in style as goals from Victor Anichebe, Dinyar Bilyaletdinov and Magaye Gueye secured a 3-1 victory over D.C. United in the US capital.

For the first time since his involvement at the Gold Cup, custodian Tim Howard joined up with the Everton squad prior to kick-off. The American stopper signed autographs for both sets of fans at the RFK Stadium, although he didn't play any part in the game as he had just returned from extended leave. That meant that Slovakian Jan Mucha was between the sticks for the third game running.

Seamus Coleman again took up the right full-back slot, with captain Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and Leighton Baines making up a full-strength back four. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov started on the left, with Tim Cahill and Jack Rodwell in central midfield. Evertonians were also treated to another glimpse of teenager Ross Barkley who was stationed on the right.

Victor Anichebe partnered Apostolos Vellios in attack, which meant that the substitutes bench comprised of John Heitinga, Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Conor McAleny, Jermaine Beckford, Magaye Gueye and young goalkeeper Adam Davies.

In sweltering conditions across the pond, Everton started the game brightly and were ahead inside four minutes. Leighton Baines played the ball into the left hand channel where Victor Anichebe collected the pass and finished well from an acute angle.

D.C. United had a couple of opportunities, the best of which was a long range effort from skipper Josh Wolff (who possesses quite possibly the most American name ever). Everton, though, doubled the advantage on 16 minutes in exquisite fashion.

Vellios, Rodwell and Barkley combined before the later played a killer pass that left Bilyaletdinov through on goal with only the 'keeper to beat. The Russian did the rest, slotting the ball home with aplomb.

Anichebe, Barkley and Coleman all went close before the half was over whilst at the other end DC threatened with a couple of set-plays. Indeed, the performance of young Ross Barkley was something to savour, a tantalizing glimpse of the player that has been touted as the best player at Everton since a certain Wayne Rooney.

Without wishing to place too much pressure on young shoulders, if last night's performance was anything to go by then we have a real talent on our hands. There was one instance where he jinked past four or five defenders before playing a defence-splitting pass to Coleman. He clearly has exceptional talent, but we must not build him up Michael Branch style.

At the interval Osman and Gueye replaced Barkley and Vellios, and just a minute into the restart DC had halved the deficit. A long ball was played down the centre of the pitch and was poorly defended. Jagielka allowed Chris Pontius to get goalside, and the DC player drilled the ball past Mucha.

Despite the setback, Everton continued to have the better of the chances. You would have put your house on Tim Cahill to score with a free header from six yards out, but his effort went narrowly wide. Bilyaletdinov's shot scraped the crossbar after a short corner routine, and Rodwell sent a shot over the bar when he may have been better advised to slip in substitute Jermaine Beckford.

Seamus Coleman almost scored a brilliant own goal, but fortunately for him his touch diverted the ball onto the woodwork and not into the net. At the other end, Everton made it three on 83 minutes when two substitutes combined.

Magaye Gueye fed Jermaine Beckford on the left-hand side, with Beckford chipping a great cross to the far post where Gueye had the simple task of tapping home. The goal made it 3-1 and that was how it finished.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Mucha 7, Coleman 6, Jagielka 5, Distin 6, Baines 7, Bilyaletdinov 7, Barkley 8, Rodwell 6, Cahill 6, Anichebe 7, Vellios 5.

Subs: Osman 5, Gueye 6, McAleny 5, Neville 5, Heitinga 5, Beckford 6.

Southport 2-0 Everton XI

An Everton XI was well beaten by Southport this afternoon in the final of the 2011 Liverpool Senior Cup as goals from Karl Ledschan and former Everton youngster John Paul Kissock handed the Sandgrounders a deserved 2-0 victory.

The Everton side was Mateusz Taudul, Tyias Browning, Shane Duffy, Shkodran Mustafi, Jake Bidwell, Jordan Barrow, Adam Forshaw, Jose Baxter, John Lundstram, Luke Garbutt and Joao Silva.

The Blues were behind in just 90 seconds, as a long throw-in was not dealt with by the Everton defence and turned home by Ledschan. Southport doubled their advantage on eight minutes as the outstanding Kissock curled in a free-kick from 30 yards.

Everton, without Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios who are in America with the first team, failed to recover from the two early goals.

Anton Forrester, Adam Forshaw and Adam Thomas all came on to try to salvage the result but all Everton's efforts were in vain.

It was a below-par performance which ended in Southport running out comfortable winners. Captain Jose Baxter tweeted: "For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful."

D.C. United v Everton Preview

Following Wednesday's late loss to the Philadelphia Union, Everton have arrived in the American capital of Washington D.C. in order to take on their next pre-season opponents, D.C. United.

Christian Hernandez denied Everton a draw in Philadelphia but as we all know the results are somewhat unimportant at this stage of the season. The Blues arrived in Washington D.C. on Thursday, in time for lunch with the President (not really).

The Club

Founded in 1995, the Black-and-Red are the MLS' most successful side. Since their inception they have been crowned MLS champions four times, including in the league's inaugural season.

In 1998, with a firmly established reputation as the best side in America, they added the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the Copa Interamericana to their list of honours, although these successes are widely thought to have cost them their influential manager, Bruce Arena, who took on the role of US national team manager.

A further two MLS Cups followed, although the trophy cabinet hasn't been added to since the last triumph back in 2004. Since then, D.C.'s fortunes have began to wane, with the demise culminating in a last-placed finish last season. They currently sit 6th in the MLS Eastern Conference.

The Gaffer

Ben Olsen joined D.C. United as a player straight after leaving college in 1998 and, but for a 20-game loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2000/01, he spent his whole career at the RFK Stadium. He retired from playing duties in 2009, and took over the management helm just over a year later.

A former US international who earned 37 caps, Olsen is widely regarded as a key figure in MLS history.

The Players

After a car crash in late 2009 left him with multiple injuries, it was feared that Charlie Davies would never play again. However, after a year and a half of rehab, he returned to action in March of this year. On loan from Sochaux, Davies is D.C.'s top scorer so far this season with 8 goals to his name.

Everton will also have to watch out for Canadian (eh) international forward Dwayne de Rosario, who jointly holds the record for the most inclusions in the MLS best XI (5).

Links between the clubs

1) Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen appeared almost 100 times for the Red-and Black. After moving to England, Nelsen made his 175th appearance for Blackburn in the 3-2 defeat to Everton at Ewood Park in April 2010.

2) Brian McBride, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Everton in 2003, later returned to the MLS with his hometown team, Chicago Fire. He made his debut as a second half substitute against D.C. United.

StickyToffee Prediction: D.C. United 1-2 Everton

In Philadelphia Union, Everton played what many believe to be the MLS' strongest outfit. With the added match fitness, and against a weaker opponent, I'm going to plump for an Everton win to round off the US tour. Goals from Vellios and Barkley.

Woods: Jan Must Grab Chances

Slovakian shot-stopper Jan Mucha has been urged by goalkeeping coach Chris Woods to stake a real claim for first-team inclusion.

Mucha, 28, has kept goal in both Everton's pre-season friendlies so far, with regular no.1 Tim Howard given extended leave after his involvement with the US national team at the Gold Cup.

Chris Woods has urged Mucha to take the chances he will be given in pre-season, telling evertontv: "I think he has got to look at it and see that it is a chance to show what he can do on the team.

"That is what he needs to do and when Tim gets back with us he will be wanting to get started as well. Jan played well against Philadelphia but unfortunately we didn't clear it and it ended up in the net. But generally we were pleased."

Woods is also working with academy product Adam Davies in America, and commented: "Adam is 19 now and he is well accustomed to the work that we do. The goalkeepers push each other along and it has been tough because it's been 95 degrees out there.

"Hopefully it helps, the experience that Tim has, Jan has and that I have is useful and we all help each other."

Philadelphia Union 1-0 Everton

As in the defeat to Manchester United back in April, a late Hernandez goal proved the difference between Everton and their opponents last night. This time it was Philadelphia Union's Christian Hernandez who struck with three minutes to go to hand the Union victory.

In a keenly-contested and largely even match, both sides played some nice football in extremely hot and humid conditions. Everton just about edged the first half with chances coming primarily from set-plays. Magaye Gueye again impressed, with Arteta influential in midfeld.

It was goalless at the break and wholesale changes did nothing to help the pace or rhythm of the game. The heat was clearly affecting the Everton players, whose shirts had turned a darker shade of blue due to the sweat. Philadelphia, who are in mid-season fitness, really started to look threatening in the last half hour as Everton dwindled.

They did manage to get the win courtesy of some calamitous defending three minutes from time. After Jan Mucha had saved well, the ball was not properly cleared and Hernandez capitalised on the mistakes to put the Union ahead. Nonetheless, there were plenty of positives, for example the performances of Apostolos Vellios and the returning Ross Barkley.

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With Tim Howard 'rested' after his Gold Cup exploits, Jan Mucha donned the gloves (and the camouflaged kit) in the Everton goal. The back four was Leighton 'Beatle' Baines, John Heitinga, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman.

In the centre of midfield was Mikel Arteta alongside the slightly less cultured Phil Neville, with Magaye Gueye and Diniyar (or, according to the Philadelphia pitch announcer, Dimitar) Bilyaletdinov operating the flanks. Tim Cahill supported Jermaine Beckford up front.

Everton controlled possession for the opening 20 minutes, although the best chances fell to the noggins of the Union's Danny Mwanga and Carlos Valdes. Mikel Arteta went close with a free kick that hit the side netting, before the Spaniard sumptuously released Jermaine Beckford who controlled the ball well but skewed his effort off target.

It was a slow-paced yet even fixture, which probably had a lot to do with the temperatures that, even late at night, were approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It was so hot that, had he been playing, even Tony Hibbert may have opted for a short-sleeved shirt.

Both sides made changes at the break. You probably don't care about Philadelphia's, so I won't bother telling you. Everton replaced Arteta, Beckford and Gueye with Jack Rodwell, Apostolos Vellios and Sylvain Distin. Phil Neville moved to right back, Seamus Coleman switched to right midfield and Johnny Heitinga also moved into midfield.

Greek striker Vellios had a large impact on the game and used his physical presence well. He struck an ambitious effort from almost 40 yards, as well as winning his fair share of headers and loose balls. John Heitinga tried to replicate his goal v Birmingham but his effort sailed wide, and Seamus Coleman showed exactly why fans call him the Irish Messi as he took on the whole Union defence before seeing his curling shot blocked.

Union did look slightly more dangerous as Everton started to wilt, with Roger Torres running the show in the middle of midfield. Everton introduced Ross Barkley and Conor McAleny in place of Bilyaletdinov and Cahill.

It was especially nice to see Barkley play after the horrendous injury he has suffered. He showed glimpses of his talent, with a nice turn and shot that was well saved, but also his inexperience in giving the ball away a couple of times.

With just three minutes remaining Union took the lead. Mucha saved well but the ball was not properly cleared by Rodwell, and then Distin. The game of pinball ended with Hernandez, who struck low into the net to win the game for the Union.

There was still time for John Heitinga to get himself sent off, but it was a ridiculous decision. Heitinga collided innocuously with a Union midfielder and the card-happy ref reached straight for his back pocket. Johnny 5, quite rightly, stormed angrily off the pitch. Good luck to whoever calmed him down.

The game ended 1-0 to the Union, but as we all know the results in pre-season don't particularly matter. Plenty of positives including the performance of Vellios and the return of Barkley. And, as mentioned hundreds of times in commentary, it was a 'good workout'.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Mucha 7, Baines 7, Jagielka 6, Heitinga 7, Coleman 6, Bilyaletdinov 6, Arteta 8, Neville 6, Gueye 7, Cahill 5, Beckford 5.

Subs: Rodwell 6, Distin 5, Vellios 7, Barkley 7, McAleny 5.

Arsenal Bid For Jagielka Rejected

An Arsenal bid of around £10 million for centre-half Phil Jagielka has been instantly rejected by Everton, with many sources saying that David Moyes values the player at almost double the initial bid.

Many sources, including The Times, goal.com and Arsenal website wearethenorthbank.com have claimed that the Gunners tabled a bid for England international Jagielka, although the different sources claim that the bid was different amounts.

Arsene Wenger seems to have made Jagielka his first priority after earlier rumours that he would try to land either Gary Cahill of Bolton or Christopher Samba of Blackburn.

The bid, of £10m - £12m, was rejected by Everton, with manager David Moyes thought to be holding out for a fee in the region of £20m.

StickyToffee Verdict: A bit like the Lescott to Manchester City transfer saga, I don't want to lose a vital player from our side. However, if a bid of £20 million was to come in, Moyes would be made to think very carefully. I can't see Wenger offering that amount though...

Philadelphia Union U18s 0-2 Everton U18s

A brace from Chris Long (above) saw Everton's Academy side record a victory over their Philadelphia Union counterparts this evening, their second triumph of the US tour.

After beating the New York Red Bulls on Monday, Everton came up against the Union at PPL Park in a game billed as the appetiser for the later clash of the senior sides.

James Fitzgibbon was the man between the sticks, with a defence of Ben Heneghan, Eric Dier, Ryan Higgins and Ibou Touray. The midfield was Femi Orenuga, Tom Molyneux, Gethin Jones and Jasper Johns, with Adam Thomas and Chris Long starting in attack.

The game, split into three thirds to help the players cope with the 30+ degree heat, got off to a lively start, with Everton enjoying the lion's share of possession. Indeed, it was the visitors who took the lead when, on 13 minutes, forward Chris Long capitalised on a defensive error and finished clinically.

Long then doubled his and Everton's tally with another well-taken goal on 33 minutes, and the scores remained at 2-0 for the rest of the game.

Arteta Impressed By Youngsters

Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has spoken to evertonTV about the young players aiming to break into the first team squad, claiming that there is plenty of hope for the future.

Arteta singled out Magaye Gueye, who impressed with a brace in the 4-1 friendly win over Bury, and Ross Barkley.

Of Gueye, Arteta said: "He looks good and he is the type of player you need as well. We need players who can unlock the door sometimes. Magaye has got a really good shot."

The best little Spaniard we know also praised fellow midfielder Ross Barkley, who unfortunately looks set to miss the friendlies in the US due to a minor ankle injury. Arteta said: "I think he is going to be a really good player. He is young and we don't want to put too much pressure on him but he looks really good."

Barkley To Miss US Games

Everton starlet Ross Barkley looks set to miss out on playing any part in the friendly fixtures against Philadelphia Union and DC United due to a minor training injury.

Barkley, tipped by many at the club as the best prospect since a certain Wayne Rooney, suffered a double leg break whilst on international duty last year. He has been regaining his fitness in pre-season training, but a bruised ankle sustained on the trip to Austria has slowed his recovery.

At a press conference ahead of the game against Philadelphia, manager David Moyes said: "He rolled his ankle in Austria so he's missed a week's training.

"We will be careful with him. He is with us just now but I don't think he is ready to play. We will just need to work with him and see how it is."

Everton Duo In Nigeria Squad

Victor Anichebe and Joseph Yobo have been included in the Nigeria squad that will face Ghana in London next month.

Nigerian manager Samson Siasia has named a 22-man squad for the fixture, which will take place on August 9th at Vicarage Road, the home of Championship club Watford. The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Chigozie Agbim

Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo, Taye Taiwo, Gege Soriola, Elderaon Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Yusuf Ayila, Efe Ambrose

Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Fengor Ogude, Joel Obi, Kalu Uche, Emmanuel Ekpo, Solomon Okoronkwo

Forwards: Obinna Nsofor, Victor Anichebe, Ike Uche, Osaze Odemwingie, Ekigho Ehiosun, Emmanuel Emenike

Philadelphia Union v Everton Preview

Philadelphia. Home of the cheesesteak, Boyz II Men and, since their inception in 2008, the Philadelphia Union. 'The U' are Everton's next pre-season opponents and so welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to your match preview.

The Club

Union are one of the Major League Soccer's newest franchises. Founded in 2008, their inaugural game in the MLS was a 2-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders in March 2010. Their first victory came just a few weeks later, a 3-2 triumph over DC United (another of Everton's pre-season opponents).

Philadelphia are enjoying a fantastic season to date and are currently two points clear at the top of the MLS Eastern conference, with a further two games in hand over their nearest challengers, the New York Red Bulls. This week marks a break in their season with friendlies against ourselves and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Gaffer

One time Polish Player of the Year Piotr Nowak is the man in charge of the Union, and a huge figure in MLS history. The only man to win the MLS Cup as a player and a manager, Nowak enjoyed a successful playing career in Europe before signing for Chicago Fire in 1998.

In 2002 he took over the helm at DC United and led them to the title in his first season in charge. The Pole then took on roles with the USA U-23 side before switching back to club football with the Union.

The Players

Sébastien Le Toux, a French forward who played briefly in Ligue 2 for Rennes before moving across the Atlantic, was Philadelphia's top scorer last year, with his 15 goals helping the Union to a 7th place finish in the MLS Eastern Conference. Although Le Toux's form has dropped this season, US football writer Grant Wahl notes him as "one of their threats".

Everton must also watch out for Guatemalan frontman Carlos Ruiz, who has a phenomenal strike rate across the pond. One of the MLS' top players, the striker has netted 150 goals in just 169 career games.

And, if Everton were in need of any extra incentive, Union have a pair of midfielders named Carroll and Torres.

Links between the clubs

1) Everton's American custodian Tim Howard has plenty of ties to the Union. Nick Sakiewicz, Union's CEO, brought Howard through the ranks when the pair were together at the NY MetroStars. Goalkeeper Howard is also friends with many of the Union coaching staff and defender Danny Califf.

2) Philadelphia is the proud home of the steps that Sylvester Stallone ran up as Rocky Balboa. 'Rocky' famously walked out onto the hallowed Goodison turf prior to the 1-1 draw with Reading in 2007, after which the legendary actor claimed that 'Reading's goal was offside, or whatever'.

3) Blues captain Phil Neville loves a bit of Philadelphia spread on his ryvita, and this is his regular breakfast when preparing to 'attack the day'.

4) Union midfielder Stefan Miglioranzi, 33, had a 3-month trial at Everton earlier in his career and went on to play for Portsmouth under the late Alan Ball.

StickyToffee Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Everton

I predict a tight match over in the US of A. Everton should have the technical edge, but the Union are midway through the season and therefore fully match-fit, something that might just give them the edge.

Rumour: Everton, Newcastle After £7 million Long

Premier League duo Everton and Newcastle are on alert after Reading boss Brian McDermott dropped a hint that he was ready to offload prized asset Shane Long, according to The Mirror.

McDermott said: "Shane is the best striker in the Championship. He could play for anyone in the Premier League. I said to him in January that if we failed to be promoted I would do my best for him in terms of finding him a Premier League club, if it was good for the club and for him.

"Shane is not desperate to walk away. His mum comes to every game and he is well looked after."

Long, 24, scored 25 goals in all competitions last year and Reading are said to value him at £7 million.

StickyToffee Verdict: A good player at Championship level but I don't feel we can spend £7 million on a player unproven in the Premier League. Yes, Jermaine Beckford has adapted well (and he jumped up two leagues), but he was not as much of a gamble as he was a free transfer.

Rodwell: It's A Massive Season For Me

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has said that the upcoming season will be a 'massive' one, as the youngster attempts to get back on track after a series of injuries resulted in a thoroughly frustrating 2010/11 campaign.

Rodwell, who is now in training after being handed extra leave due to international involvement, told evertonfc.com: "It's a massive season for me. I've got to try and establish myself. I'm not a kid anymore and I want to be a regular.

"The first day back was really hard but that's what pre-season is all about. I got pulled out (of the main session) and had to do my own running, which was quite hard in this heat but it's necessary and I'm just happy to be back with the lads."

Rumour: Chelsea Tracking Felli

Rumours linking Everton's midfield ace Marouane Fellaini with a move to Stamford Bridge have re-surfaced this afternoon, with one such story appearing on fanatix.com.

The website claims that Chelsea are ready to test Everton's resolve with a £15 million move for the Belgian international midfielder, claiming that Fellaini, 23, has grown frustrated with Everton's failure to win trophies and qualify for Europe.

Fellaini is planning to hold talks with David Moyes regarding the club's ambitions, whilst new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is eyeing a replacement for the injured Michael Essien, who has been ruled out for 6 months with cruciate ligament damage.

The Londoners are said to be preparing a £15 million offer - the same amount Everton paid for Fellaini three years ago - but David Moyes will demand in excess of £20 million, and still harbours hope that Fellaini will sign a new contract at Everton.

StickyToffee Verdict: Keep at all costs. A player that has the potential to be world-class and exactly the type of player that can take Everton forward.

NY Red Bulls U18s 1-3 Everton U18s

Everton's Academy side recorded an impressive victory over the New York Red Bulls in the first instalment of a two-game Stateside tour. The Everton goals came from Chris Long (above), Eric Dier and Jasper Johns.

The friendly match was held just outside Philadelphia, the city that Everton's senior squad had flown into hours previously. Academy graduate Chris Long gave Everton the lead after quarter of an hour, only for the hosts to draw level minutes later after a poorly-defended set-piece.

The ninety minutes were split into three thirds to allow the players to cope with searing 32 degree temperatures, and New York took control of the game in the second period.

Everton, however, did regain control of the match, with Femi Orenuga impressing on the wing and Eric Dier producing a goal-line clearance to keep the scores level.

In the third period Tom Molyneux's free kick was denied by the woodwork, before Eric Dier rose to power in a header and give the visitors the lead. Jasper Johns sealed the win with a brilliant long-range strike.

The Everton stars of tomorrow will now prepare for a game against their Philadelphia Union counterparts, which will take place before the senior sides meet on Wednesday.

Click here to read a full match report on evertonfc.com

Rumour: Blues Eye Bendtner Loan

Sky Sports understand that Everton are keen on a loan move for Arsenal's forward Nicklas Bendtner.

The Denmark international has made it clear that he wishes to leave the Emirates after becoming frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities. Manager Arsene Wenger handed Bendtner just 3 League starts last season, with the vast majority of his appearances (14) coming from the bench.

Wenger has left Bendtner out of Arsenal's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia and has confirmed he would allow the striker to leave after seven years at the club. However, it may not be the case that Arsenal are prepared to send their player out on loan.

Bendtner, who has scored goals in the Champions League and at the World Cup, has previously been linked with a move to the German Bundesliga as well as Blackburn Rovers.

StickyToffee Verdict: Many are quick to dismiss the Dane, which probably has a lot to do with his reputation. In footballing terms, however, he is actually a very decent player who has scored goals in the Champions League for Arsenal. I would be very happy to welcome him to Goodison.

Reserve Midfielder Signs For County

Ex-Everton midfielder Jon Nolan (right, above) has this week signed for Stockport County. The teenager, who joined Everton as a 7-year-old, was released by Everton earlier this year.

Nolan had a trial with Watford back in April along with Moses Barnett (also of Everton), but the then Watford manager Malky Mackay chose not to sign the youngster. Mackay said: "The Everton lad (Nolan) has tweaked his knee and has gone back up to Everton so neither of them will be signing."

The 17-year-old was revealed as a Stockport player on Thursday alongside Tranmere youth product Ryan Fraughan and John Miles, who was once on Liverpool's books.

Rumour: Sergio Set To Snub Blues

Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Canales has told a Spanish newspaper that he would prefer to stay in his homeland, an admission that is set to disappoint a host of Premier League clubs, including Everton.

The Spaniard, 20, was a reported target for Everton, Aston Villa and QPR, but quotes that have appeared in Spanish newspaper As suggest that the player is unlikely to move abroad.

Canales said: "I would prefer to stay in Spain. I want to get as many minutes as possible and if it isn't at Real Madrid it will be with another club."

La Liga sides Villarreal and Sevilla are both said to be interested in a loan move for Canales - who is contracted at the Bernabeu until 2016 - but Madrid are unwilling to let the player join a rival club.

Real Madrid signed Canales from Racing Santander last Summer for 6 million Euros prior to the arrival of Jose Mourinho. In his debut season Canales was only played 10 times.

Rumour: Everton Consider Move For Wantaway Marseille Midfielder Gonzalez

According to The Mirror, Everton are considering a move for Marseille star Lucho Gonzalez, after the player made it known that he wanted to quit French football.

The Argentine, 30, has been told he is no longer part of coach Didier Deschamps' plans and both parties have agreed he can leave. Spanish side Malaga have made a move for Gonzalez already this Summer, but talks are reported to have broken down.

Gonzalez signed for Marseille from Porto in 2009, for a fee of around £15 million. In May he was linked with a move to Serie A giants Roma, but the player quashed the rumours, saying: "At no time has it left my mouth that I wanted to leave or that I didn't feel good here. I have a contract with OM until 2013 and the people at the club seem happy with me."

However, Marseille President Jean-Claude Dassier announced at the end of the season that Gonzalez would be leaving the club. Marseille have debts of around 35 million Euros.

StickyToffee Verdict: A quality player but should we blow what precious little money we have on a 30-year-old?

Rumour: Everton After Schalke Star

Everton are again considering a move for Schalke 04 midfielder Lewis Holtby, according to footybunker.com. Wikipedia has gone one step further and claims that Holtby has signed in a £6.5 million deal, although - quite frankly - we all know that is bollocks.

Although now a full German international, Holtby did have the chance to represent England, but he turned down the offer and made his Germany debut in 2010.

Interest from Everton was first reported in January after the 20-year-old began to impress for the Bundesliga giants. Everton manager David Moyes feels the winger may be tempted with a move to England as he is half English - and his father is indeed an Evertonian.

In the past Holtby has said: "My father was born in England and was a Everton fan since the age of five. He immediately infected me with the Everton virus! Since then I have been a Everton fan and have always followed their games."

The asking price for Holtby is said to be around £6.5 million.

StickyToffee Verdict: Seems plausible - Lewis and his 'arl fella are Evertonians and would surely relish the chance to move to the Premier League, and Moyes may just have enough money from the Pienaar and Vaughan sales to scrape together the required £6 million. But we are Everton and we never do anything simply - so we will have to see.

Nsiala Looking For Loan Deal

Everton's young centre-back Aristote Nsiala has told evertonfc.com that he is open to the idea of another loan spell as he looks to play regular first-team football.

Defender Nsiala spent part of last season on loan at League Two side Macclesfield Town, where he made a total of 10 appearances, and feels that the stint with the Silkmen helped him improve as a footballer.

The 19 year old, who is eligible to represent England, Wales, Scotland and DR Congo, says he would welcome the opportunity to go out on loan again this season.

"I felt it benefitted me and the gaffer said so as well. So hopefully I will be looking to do it again, maybe in a higher league. It was very physical in League Two, but playing the games helped me a lot."

Dynamo Moscow 0-2 Everton Reserves

Everton deservedly secured third place in the 2011 VTB Lev Yashin Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over hosts Dynamo Moscow on Saturday afternoon. The Toffees missed a penalty and received a harsh sending off before a Conor McAleny brace secured an impressive 2-0 victory.

Everton's captain Jose Baxter saw his first-half spot-kick hit the crossbar after Joao Silva was hauled down inside the area. The scores were level at the break, and after the interval Everton were soon down to 10 men following the dismissal of Aristote Nsiala.

Everton showed their fighting spirit and a double from Conor McAleny was enough to earn a bronze medal, whilst simultaneously making sure that it was an awful weekend for the hosts.

* * *

After seeing his charges lose narrowly to German side SC Freiburg on Friday, coach Alan Stubbs made four changes to his U21 line-up. Conor McAleny replaced Apostolos Vellios in attack, Luke Garbutt came in for Jake Bidwell at left-back, Jordan Barrow took up the central midfield role in place of John Lundstram and, in a late change, Shkodran Mustafi pulled out and was replaced by Aristote Nsiala in the heart of defence.

That meant that Everton lined up in a 4-4-2 formation as follows: Adam Davies; Tyias Browning, Aristote Nsiala, Shane Duffy, Luke Garbutt; Jordan Barrow, Jose Baxter (c), Adam Forshaw, Araz Abdullayev; Conor McAleny, Joao Silva.

The Everton substitutes were; Mateusz Taudul, Jake Bidwell, Shkodran Mustafi, John Lundstram, Anton Forrester, Apostolos Vellios and Hallam Hope.

Everton started the game brightly an Joao Silva was presented with the game's first real chance after being sent clean through. The Portuguese forward lifted the ball over the 'keeper, but his shot clipped the post and bounced agonisingly out of play. Conor McAleny also had a good chance in a lively opening spell from for the visitors.

Minutes later, and with Everton doing all the pressing, Silva was hauled down inside the area and the referee had no option but to award Everton a penalty. Jose Baxter stepped up, but drilled his effort against the crossbar and the sides remained level at the break.

At the interval Vellios was introduced as Everton pushed for a breakthrough goal, and recently-signed Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Taudul came on for his Everton debut.

Soon after the interval Everton found themselves down to 10 men after defender Aristote Nsiala received his marching orders. A yellow for an 'elbow' was quickly followed by another for dissent (from a Russian referee whom he could barely understand), and the centre-half was harshly sentenced to an early bath.

Undeterred, Everton kept pressing and no sooner had Nsiala finished running his bath had Everton taken the lead. Greek substitute Apostolos Vellios put through Conor McAleny, who lifted the ball over the 'keeper to put the 10 men in front.

McAleny notched his and Everton's second just a few minutes later to cap off an excellent display by the Young Toffees, who will return to England with the bronze medal.

Toffees Bury The Shakers In Pre-Season Opener

With no new faces at Finch Farm so far this Summer, the only Everton debut made at Gigg Lane was that of the new retro-styled home kit. It was a positive result for the Toffees though, as goals from Yakubu, Magaye Gueye (2) and Leon Osman secured a 4-1 pre-season victory.

At half-time it was 4-0, everything was going swimmingly and Sky Sports were even reporting that we had planned a bid for Charles N'Zogbia. 45 minutes later it was 4-1, Jermaine Beckford was lying on a Gigg Lane treatment table and our bid had been downgraded to 'interest'.

Everton aren't we?

* * *

Jan Mucha kept goal in what may well prove to be his last appearance for Everton, with the Slovakian international said to be interested in a move away from Goodison in search of regular football.

John Heitinga started alongside Sylvain Distin in the heart of defence, with Phil Neville operating at left-back and Seamus Coleman reverting from the right side of midfield to the right full-back position, something that David Moyes has indicated may happen as the Irishman's career progresses.

Fit-again Marouane Fellaini was handed a starting berth alongside Leon Osman in the centre of the midfield, with Mikel Arteta and Magaye Gueye operating the flanks. In attack Jermaine Beckford partnered Yakubu, for whom the game was his first in Everton Blue since his loan spell at Leicester City.

The substitutes bench was warmed by Tim Cahill, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Victor Anichebe, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka, who - presumably - would have donned the goalkeeping gloves had Jan Mucha picked up an injury (Jags famously once acted as an emergency 'keeper for Sheffield United).

There has been growing discontent amongst Evertonians in recent week due to a Summer bereft of any meaningful transfer activity. God knows what would've happened had we been beaten tonight.

It was a good job then, that the Yak had had a pre-match slap-up meal. He opened the scoring on 17 minutes. Mikel Arteta's corner was headed on by Leon Osman, and then Marouane Fellaini, before the big Nigerian leapt (moved his noggin) inside the six yard box to head Everton in front.

It was the cue for the song book to be dusted down and utilised. The travelling Scousers cleared their throats after a few months without their weekly sing-song, and soon chants of 'Who needs Cantona... when we've got Barry Horne' were heard. Next came 'Sharpy (Graeme Sharp - in the evertonTV commentary box) give us a wave' and one that hasn't been heard for a while - 'Feed the Yak and he will score'.

The mood was heightened when Magaye Gueye made it two shortly afterwards - capitalising on a mistake by a Bury defender and slotting home at the second attempt.

Leon Osman - probably the pick of the Everton bunch - added the third. Build up play from Arteta and Neville on the left saw the diminutive midfielder receive the ball on the edge of the box. Some brilliant footwork saw him escape a defender, he took one further touch and curled the ball home seamlessly.

Maggie Gueye - sporting a quite frankly awful mohawk - added a fourth before the break, driving the ball through Steven Schumacher's legs and into the net. Party time!

David Moyes rang the changes at the break, introducing Bilyaletdinov, Anichebe, Baines and Jagielka in place of Fellaini, Heitinga, Arteta and Distin. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was especially impressive in a central midfield role, playing a couple of 'worldy' passes.

Jermaine Beckford pulled up with a hamstring problem soon into the second half and Everton, quite sensibly deciding not to risk him, played out the rest of the game without a full compliment of players on the pitch.

Bury managed to pull a goal back through a free-kick from ex-Everton youth player Steven Schumacher. The Bury skipper's free-kick took a slight deflection, although Jan Mucha - in full camouflage - should have done better.

4-1 it ended and it proved a good night for Everton, who will be glad to get back to on-pitch matters rather than off-pitch ones. The injury to Beckford was a sour note but hopefully it doesn't prove too serious, and there was even time for the annual Bury pitch invasion, with Jagielka and Yakubu (unsurprisingly) the slowest off the field and therefore the ones that got mobbed.

I believe that's what they call a good night's work.