Moyes backs Baines

Everton boss David Moyes has backed summer signing Leighton Baines to return from injury and become a very important player for the Toffees. Moyes feels the player has an outstanding future at the club.

"I've spoken to Leighton. I've reassured him. But he's got nothing to worry about because he's got a big future as a left-back here.

"If we're going to challenge for trophies in the future, I honestly don't think there can be a guaranteed place for anyone.

"We've got competition everywhere. The three central defenders have been absolutely top drawer.

"There are people here who we're desperately trying to get games, just look at Leighton. We think the world of him and he's going to be our left-back for a long time to come.

"But, just at the present time, for different reasons, he's finding it hard to get in. He's picked up one or two niggling injuries and that's cost him. But I can see him being Everton's left-back for many years."