LI TIE STEPS IT UP

Chinese midfielder Li Tie continues his rehabilitation for Everton's reserve team tonight at they face Blackburn Rovers at Haig Avenue (kick-off 7pm).

Li Tie played the full 90 minutes of the second string's 1-1 draw with WBA last week and another complete run out could be on the agenda this evening.

Partnering the 27-year-old in the centre of midfield is Icelandic youngster Bjarni Vidarsson, who has been a regular starter for Andy Holden's side of late.

Scotland Under-21 international Iain Turner appears between the sticks, as Richard Wright is rested.

Nick Chadwick is given another chance to add to his impressive goal tally at this level with James Vaughan in attack, while Eddy Bosnar has recovered from a virus to appear at the heart of the defence alongside Anthony Gerrard.

Regular right-back Stephen Wynne misses out through injury, so Sean Wright deputises, with Daniel Fox on the other side. Meanwhile, Laurence Wilson is set to continue on the left wing, with Chris Seargeant operating on the opposite flank.

The bench is full of Academy hopefuls: Patrick Boyle, Craig Gallagher, James Harris, Paul Hopkins and Scott Phelan make up the numbers, while Andrew Fowler travels with the squad as a standby.