Baines to play through pain

David Moyes has revealed Everton are playing Leighton Baines despite the left-back carrying an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old played as the Toffees smashed Cheltenham 5-1 in the FA Cup on Monday evening, with Moyes keen to avoid elimination after being knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Leeds when fielding a weakened team earlier this season.

“Leighton has got a bad ankle problem which I need to watch and be careful with that,” Moyes told reporters.

“I felt we needed him because we have to respect the players at this level.

“I was disappointed when we lost our League Cup tie to Leeds United, I gave a few players a go and I didn’t think we came up to scratch.

“I wasn’t going to take a second chance (against Cheltenham), that’s for sure. I just felt we needed the people who knew what was going on.

“It was a very professional job. I want to try and progress in the Cup if we can. We’ve got a bit of momentum and we want to try and keep it going.”

Moyes also dismissed claims that striker Victor Anichebe could leave Goodison park in January, with Reading thought to be keen on a move for the Nigerian.

“Anichebe to Reading? No, no truth in that,” the Scot insisted.

“We won’t be selling anyone if I have my way, that’s for sure.”