Good evening, Everton fans. Here are your evening headlines for Friday, October 16.
Ancelloti handed fitness boost ahead of Merseyside derby
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne are both fit to face Liverpool in tomorrow's Merseyside derby.
There were doubts over the fitness of Mina as he missed Colombia’s draw with Chile over the international break as a precaution. Digne, meanwhile, limped off during France’s game with Croatia on Wednesday.
However, both have trained since arriving back on Merseyside and are ready to take on Everton's local rivals.
Ancelotti said : “It’s true that they travelled, they played, but they came back on a good condition and they are available for tomorrow.
“Yerry Mina is ok. He trained today without a problem. I think he had a little problem during training before the last game, but after that, he rested for this and is fit for tomorrow.
“Every team has players that played over the international break, the important thing for us was that they came back without problems and are in good condition.”
Boothroyd: Godfrey will become an even better player at Everton
New Everton signing Ben Godfrey will improve the Blues' defence and thrive under the pressure of competition for his place, according to England Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd.
The 22-year-old joined Everton from Norwich City at the start of the month and could make his first appearance for the club in the Merseyside derby.
And while that would be an intimating prospect for many, Boothroyd believes Godfrey has the mental fortitude to quickly cement his place in the Everton backline.
Boothroyd told The Athletic : “He’ll bring competition [to Everton’s defence] first.
“He’s got two guys ahead of him initially and he’s got to make a stake for his place, which he will.
“He’s the sort of guy that can handle the pressure of going into an environment like that.
“He’s got a top manager and coaching team to work with, and they’ll help him become an even better player than he was at Norwich.”
Young Everton fan's FA Cup final petition given strong support
Everton Women manager Willie Kirk has praised the work of a young supporter attempting to showcase the female game.
Anna, 10, launched a petition to re-arrange the Premier League fixture between Newcastle United and Everton to ensure Everton Women take top billing in their FA Cup final on November 1.
The Blues will travel to St James’ Park for a 2pm kick-off after a recent scheduling change, while the Women follow suit half-an-hour later.
More than 2,000 supporters have backed Anna’s petition, whom Kirk applauded as a ‘very impressive young girl’.
“She’s done great, she’s a passionate supporter of the club, not either domain – the women or the men – but the club,” Kirk said ahead of the Women’s Super League (WSL) clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday."
