Moyes won't rush Vaughan

Toffees cautious with striker return

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 5th September 2008

James Vaughan

Vaughan: Hot prospect

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Everton boss David Moyes realises the importance of easing James Vaughan back into action.

The talented youngster recently spent four months on the sidelines with a knee problem, a situation which hindered the Toffees' attacking options.

However, the 20-year-old has featured in each of the club's last two games, as well as getting a much-needed run-out for the reserves.

He is not expected to be handed a starting role in the senior side anytime soon, though, as his manager is cautious about throwing him back in too soon.

Exciting

"He could be very exciting for us," Moyes told the club's official website.

"My concern is that I've put him in too early because I've had very little options. The boy had to play 30 minutes at West Brom first up and I nearly had to take him off with 10 minutes to go because he had nothing left.

"He's had no football but he made a difference and it is great for him to come back and show us what we have been missing. I don't know whether I could ask him to hang fire. His enthusiasm is his game. There are other parts that he needs to improve.

"Technically, we want to do a lot of work with him but his injuries have stopped us doing that. He has missed a lot of his young development because of that. But what he has got in abundance is enthusiasm."

Determination

Vaughan's attitude has instantly endeared him to the Goodison Park faithful, while Moyes believes there is still more to come from the energetic striker.

"He has a great desire to play and wants to play all the time," said the Toffees boss.

"You can't beat that. Everybody loves a trier. He has got great determination and that's why he is at Everton and making a living. He is terrific around the place as well.

"I think there is big improvement in him. At this present time, we just need to get him over his injury.

"He is not fully fit at this time. We need to get him both match fit and physically fit and that is probably going to take me a couple of months to do that.

"Hopefully, with the games coming regularly over the next month, coupled with a few reserve games and training, will help him a great deal. Really, he is lucky if he has had six full football training sessions since he came back this summer."