Jagielka to play on while ankle heals

Lyndon Lloyd , 2 April, 8comments | Jump to most recent

Phil Jagielka says he is prepared to play through any pain while his ankle injury heals in order to help Everton through the final leg of the season.

The defender played for the first time this past weekend since sustaining a nasty gash to his ankle against Reading. Jagielka played alongside Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga in a three-man defence in the win over Stoke but he admitted he needed pain-killing injections before the game.

"It's not quite healed up yet but it will get there and I can play without any problems," Jagielka told the Echo.

"I've got to have an injection to take a bit of the pain away because there's still a bit of scar tissue but it's part and parcel of being a footballer.

"I've been desperate to get back training and playing with the lads. It's a boring time being on your own, especially being injured.

"I've been there before and so it's been nice to get back amongst it this week, even more so to play."

Regarding the rare defensive formation, Jagielka revealed that David Moyes has been toying with the idea of playing three at the back for a few months now and he tested it out against Stoke.

"We've talked about doing it for many months with me, Johnny and Sylvain being fit for the majority of the season.

"The manager decided to do it and I think it worked quite well, mainly because of the two wing-backs who played left and right. They have such great energy, as shown in the last few minutes when Seamus ran the ball out of play.

"As much as we enjoyed it as a back three, you have got to take your hat off to the two boys on the wing for doing all the donkey work.

"You find yourself going into different areas, especially with Sylvain and Johnny playing on the outside. I thought they both did really well and as a team we are delighted."

Quotes or other material sourced from Sky Sports

Reader Comments (8)

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Alan Brown
1 Posted 02/04/2013 at 15:32:48

Jags sounds more like a captain every time he speaks. This is the attitude supporters want from their players. Playing through the pain makes him sound as if he cares - which I'm sure he does. He is not some prima Donna who is happy to sit it out while banking a fortune every week.

Trevor Lynes
2 Posted 02/04/2013 at 18:54:11

Our defence carried the team all last season and that is why they tended to win Player of the Month awards. This season has been more like a team all giving 100%; if they stay fit and stop picking up suspensions, we will be okay. I'm just sorry we did not bring two or three in during January to freshen the squad up and keep us in the running for a trophy or a European place.

Jags, Baines and Distin have been immense all season and Coleman is improving defensively each time he plays and is another attacking option. Coleman and Mirallas on one side and Baines and Pienaar on the other make us a potent team. We just need another midfielder and striker to complete a decent side.

Fer should have been brought in and I would love a Benteke, Lukaku, Kone or Ba upfront. Maybe Anichebe could improve but he is more of a target man than a goal scorer.

Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 02/04/2013 at 20:06:01

Pure class. Always has been, always will be. And yes, definitely next year's captain in my opinion.

Ross Edwards
4 Posted 02/04/2013 at 20:14:39

Good to see Jags' determination to break the pain barrier unlike players like Walcott missing an England game because of a bruised leg. Refreshing to see attitudes like Jags' in today's mercenary culture in the game today.
He should be made skipper next season.

Dave White
5 Posted 03/04/2013 at 09:01:00

A 'proper' footballer, undoubtedly a dying breed.

A win Sunday and we can really start to believe COYB!

Robin Cannon
6 Posted 03/04/2013 at 15:10:14

How come when a player does it it's classy and determined "playing through the pain", but when Mirallas limps off early then he's been "rushed back"?

Given our current squad, and the attacking inclinations of Baines and Coleman, the three at the back formation makes a decent amount of sense. Worked well defensively against Stoke, kind of patchy going forward, but I think there's some potential there.

Kevin Tully
7 Posted 03/04/2013 at 15:47:35

Even though he's been going through a quiet spell for the last few games, I can't look beyond Baines for Player of the Season.

Jay Harris
8 Posted 03/04/2013 at 17:34:53

Jags is a true pro.

However, I think 3 at the back should only be considered against the likes of Stoke at home; even then, I disagree that it worked well. I thought we looked disorganized at times.

If we play that system against Spurs, they will tear us apart in MF.

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