Pienaar due for Everton return

South African midfielder Steven Pienaar has hinted that he may be able to return for Everton's UEFA Cup match with Brann. The 25 year old midfielder is suffering with an ankle problem.

"It's sad to go out early in a tournament and my injury is getting better so by next week I hope to be better," he told the club's official website.

"It is nice to be back, it's like I have never been away with all the jokes." Meanwhile, Pienaar has kept up to date with all the Toffees matches - including their Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea - while away on international duty in Ghana.

"I watched the Wigan and Manchester City games," he continued.

"Chelsea was a big disappointment for me as a player and of course for the club because I really wanted to play in a semi-final.

"All players want to win cups at some point in their career."