Trio Target United Return

Leon Osman, Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar could return to action in time for the game at Manchester United.

The Old Trafford clash takes place on Saturday 21 November and David Moyes hopes the international break will buy his injured players more time.

"It may give some a chance to get closer to fitness.  Phil Neville, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are all likely to be pushing for a return for that game,” he declared.

The Everton captain had already revealed to evertonTV that he was aiming for a comeback against his former side.

And Moyes revealed that while he's been battling back from his knee injury, Neville has still had a big influence on the team.

"I can't put it into words how good he is as a captain,” said the manager. “He comes to away games even though he is out of action, he is there on the touchline with them all and motivating them before the game, at half time and afterwards.

"He has the right mentality, he is in it for the team not just himself and he wants everyone to succeed.

Moyes continued: "The core here is really, really good and by the core at Everton I include Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines.

"They have been the core for so long here and because we are without a few of them at the moment it does take effect.  I have to say though many of them are standing up to it.

"One or two who can't play, like Phil Neville, are still trying to have an influence and it is really pleasing for me to see them so involved at the Club."