Injury woes will not stop Jagielka

Despite struggling with injury Phil Jagielka says he will be fit this weekend as Everton launch a late push for the top four.

The defender had to take a painkilling injection to play against Stoke last Saturday and he says he is prepared to do it again for the crucial clash against Tottenham on Sunday.

Everton lie in sixth, seven points behind Spurs in third and understandably Jagielka is desperate to feature in the remaining fixtures.

“It’s not quite healed up yet but it will get there and I can play without any problems,” Jagielka told the Liverpool Echo.

“I’ve got to have an injection to take a bit of the pain away because there’s still a bit of scar tissue but it’s part and parcel of being a footballer.

“I’ve been desperate to get back training and playing with the lads. It’s a boring time being on your own, especially being injured.

“I’ve been there before and so it’s been nice to get back amongst it this week, even more so to play.”

Jagielka returned on Saturday as part of a new-look defensive formation from David Moyes.

The Everton boss used his three first-choice centre-backs in the starting line-up with Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines deployed as wing-backs.

“The manager has had a big decision to make with the players who are fit and are available,” he added.

“We’ve talked about doing it for many months with me, Johnny (Heitinga) and Sylvain (Distin) being fit for the majority of the season.

“The manager decided to do it and I think it worked quite well, mainly because of the two wing-backs who played left and right.

“They have such great energy, as shown in the last few minutes when Seamus ran the ball out of play.

“As much as we enjoyed it as a back three, you have got to take your hat off to the two boys on the wing for doing all the donkey work.

“You find yourself going into different areas, especially with Sylvain and Johnny playing on the outside. I thought they both did really well and as a team we are delighted.”