Moyes Discusses Garner Decision & Everton Future

David Moyes says James Garner was substituted against Chelsea despite being "as good as any player on the pitch" in order to protect the in-form midfielder from a suspension.

Garner, who has been a standout performer for the Blues so far this season, is one yellow card away from a one-match ban, having picked up four Premier League cautions since the start of the campaign.

It means the 24-year-old will be walking a tightrope for the Toffees' next three games, with the slate wiped clean following the 19th league match of the term.

Speaking after a spirited but ultimately fruitless trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Moyes told evertontv: "We took Jimmy off at the end – he played as well as anyone on the pitch – but I just couldn't afford him to get booked and knowing there's another game coming up next week. 

"So we got him out of there with 10 minutes to go and to try to protect him a wee bit for the next games, especially with the boys going away for AFCON."

Moyes was asked about Garner's future during his post-match press conference in the capital, with rumours suggesting other top-flight clubs hold an interest in taking Garner away from the Club.

But the Blues boss put to an end speculation that Garner could be signed on a free transfer at the end of the season.

"Look, I wouldn't be letting [Garner] go and I think the Club will do everything they can to make sure that he stays," added Moyes. "It's probably a bit of a difference and shows signs [of progression] because I'm not sure many clubs have been after many Everton players in the past but now they're maybe starting to take a bit of interest, which is a good sign.

"Hopefully he signs a new contract when the time comes but at the end of the season he's got an option [of an extra year extension] as well so, obviously, we'll be on that, if we need to be."