Saha back to boost Toffees

Posted Saturday, March 20, 2010 by PA

Everton top goalscorer Louis Saha is fit to return for the Barclays Premier League clash against Bolton at Goodison Park.

The Frenchman, who has scored 15 times this season, has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Leon Osman (groin) is also back in contention but manager David Moyes can no longer call on Landon Donovan, whose loan from Los Angeles Galaxy has ended.

Moyes has no fresh fitness concerns with Marouane Fellaini, out for the season with an ankle injury, the only major absentee.

Phil Neville is in line to make his 200th Everton appearance.

Neville won six Premier League titles at United but, after two frustrating seasons on the bench, ended an 18-year association with the club to move to Goodison Park in 2005.

The switch has proved a huge success with the 33-year-old shrugging off his past association with a fierce rival to become a vital member of Moyes' team and a much-respected captain.

And manager Moyes said: "He has been exemplary since he has been here as a professional and as a player.

"Coming from Manchester United, a lot of people might have seen it as a step down but I think he saw it as a step up.

"He has grasped the opportunity, he has brought leadership and a winning mentality. He doesn't half take the ball and take responsibility. Even when it is not going right he still wants it, that is a great trait to have.

"He plays every game as if it is his last and is really disappointed when he is not winning or doing well.

"He has a lot of things that are difficult to teach people and the way he prepares himself for every game is a credit."

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has Sam Ricketts available after the versatile Wales international sat out the victory over Wigan last weekend through suspension.

Mark Davies is also in contention after an ankle injury while Coyle is mulling over whether to include Gary Cahill following his speedy recovery from a blood clot.