IN-DEPTH NEWS

Moyes hoping for leeway from Vogts

David Moyes is hoping that Berti Vogts will give Joseph Yobo and Ayegbeni Yakubu some leeway in when he expects them to join up with his Nigeria squad ahead of the African Nations Cup which kicks off in Ghana on 20th January.

Both players are due to fly out to Nigeria's pre-tournament training camp after Saturday's FA Cup tie with Oldham Athletic but Moyes is hoping that Vogts will allow both players to play in the Carling Cup semi final first leg at Chelsea three days later as well.

The Blues will also be without Steven Pienaar who has been included in South Africa's squad but has not, as yet, lodged an official request to the SAFA to delay his own arrival with their squad. In any case, the South African footballing authorities say that it's unlikely he'd get permission anyway.

While hopeful, Moyes does not have any firm indication of whether he will be able to call on the Nigerian duo. “I have no idea yet whether we can get some leeway over their departures," he is quoted by the Daily Post. "I have not really addressed that yet.

“We are looking at it and we will know more about it nearer the time, that’s all I can say at the moment. There is no use moaning about it, if you sign African players then you know this is going to happen.

“Exactly when they do leave us for the tournament build-up is debatable. We will be looking at the dates to find out exactly.”

The earliest Everton could conceivably have their African contingent back is for the trip to Blackburn on 2nd February which is the first Premier League fixture after the completion of the group stage of the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria's last group game is on 29th January, South Africa's on the 31st and if both are eliminated at that point, Yobo, Yakubu and Pienaar would be free to return to domestic club duty.