Everton’s Duffy excluded from first team squad

The prospect of Everton’s Shane Duffy leaving on loan to secure first team football experience looks closer today after he was left out of the squad for Saturday’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The Londonderry man’s exclusion comes despite fellow central defender, Sylvain Distin being rated as a doubt for Roberto Martinez’ first competitive match at Goodison Park. Another centre half, new signing Antolin Alcaraz, who is suffering from a hamstring injury, is still a fortnight away from fitness.

The other Derry man at Everton, midfielder Darron Gibson, who picked up a knee injury during pre-season, is rated only 50-50 to return by Martinez.

Popular, die-hard Evertonian right-back Tony Hibbert, who suffered a leg injury is in contention for a first team start again after returning to training.

But he will face a fight for a first team place with Killybegs player, Seamus Coleman, who has enjoyed a tremendous pre-season and was again in inspirational form in the 2-2 draw with Norwich last week. The bargain buy from Sligo Rovers got on the scoresheet in the season’s opening fixture, striking home with a left-footed shot after striker Jelavic saw his effort saved by the keeper.