Soccer

McCarthy in line for Everton debut

Fellow Republic of Ireland international Seamus Coleman expected to recover from knocks picked up on international duty

James McCarthy challenges Christoph Leitgeb of Austria during the FIFA World Cup 2014 Group C qualification match at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Photograph: Christian Hofer/Getty Images
James McCarthy challenges Christoph Leitgeb of Austria during the FIFA World Cup 2014 Group C qualification match at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Photograph: Christian Hofer/Getty Images
Fri Sept 13 2013 - 11:11

Everton could give debuts to deadline-day midfield signings, Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy and Gareth Barry in tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea but on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku cannot play against his parent club.

McCarthy did suffer a slight knock on international duty for Ireland, as did right-back Seamus Coleman, but both are in contention to play. Midfielder Darron Gibson (knee) and defender Antolin Alcaraz (hernia) are not yet ready to return but both are back in training and close to fitness.

Everton squad: Howard, Robles, Heitinga, Hibbert, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Stones, Naismith, Deulofeu, McCarthy, Barry, Pienaar, Osman, Barkley, Oviedo, Jelavic, Kone, Mirallas.