Hayden Hackney is set to make his first appearance for Everton in Tuesday night's pre-season friendly at Stoke City, providing a timely boost for manager David Moyes as midfield options dwindle.
Midfield losses prompt need for Hackney
The summer signing from Middlesbrough has not featured against Dundee or Bolton Wanderers, with the club citing a cautious approach after he missed much of the final stages of last season. But Everton have confirmed the 24-year-old is expected to be involved at Stoke.
The £16.5 million arrival comes at a crucial time. James Garner underwent groin surgery last week after a minor issue emerged in pre-season, while Idrissa Gueye also departed last week. Moyes faces the prospect of building towards the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 22 without several key midfielders.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is currently the only first-choice three-man midfielder available for the coming weeks. Harrison Armstrong, Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl have featured in friendlies, with Rohl often deployed as a makeshift right-back.
Patience but high hopes for Hackney
Everton's early pursuit of Hackney suggests the Championship player of the year is viewed as an important part of the squad being assembled. The club is eager to be patient with him, as with Jarrad Branthwaite who is being managed after injury, but there is hope Hackney can make an impression from the start of the season.
His journey in an Everton shirt is expected to begin at Stoke.
