Paul Merson has decided against extending Everton under 19 International ‘keeper John Ruddy’s spell at Walsall and has, instead, taken Joe Murphy back on loan from Sunderland.

Merson said “Joe should be back today and he will play on Saturday”.

He said that the ‘keeper’s biggest asset was that “he’s got guts” and was a presence in the dressing room and on the pitch and would not be afraid to tell those in front of him when they were making mistakes.

He also confirmed that Ian Roper will start on Saturday.

Skipper Chris Westwood will more than likely be missing for Saturday’s crunch encounter at Bescot.

Westwood picked up a hamstring injury in training and is likely to be replaced in the side by either Ian Roper, or Anthony Gerrard, who is reportedly fit again. Of course, Merson may decide to play both, resurrecting the successful centre back partnership from the end of last season.

Meanwhile, ‘Keeper Andy Oakes is still suffering from a great deal of discomfort with his wrist injury, which is not clearing up. Oakes has had similar problems before, whilst at Derby, and that led to him losing his place in the starting line up there. He has decided to see the same consultant who treated him on the last occasion, at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

The news about Oakes means that Everton’s England under 19 International Ruddy is likely to be here a while longer yet.