Everton boss David Moyes has slapped an FA Cup ban on the young playmaker as he wants to be able to pick him during the later stages of the competition when the Toffees enter at the Third Round stage. However the other three on loan Cumbrians - Craig Farrell, John Sutton and Michael Taylor - have all been given the go-ahead by their clubs to play on Saturday, providing a cup of cheer for Roddy Collins. Osman will be a big miss and his absence will be compounded by the suspension of midfield partner Mark Summerbell, who serves a one-game ban for his sending off against Oxford a fortnight ago. With Osman and Summerbell missing, there is likely to be a big chance for goals hero Will McDonagh to shine in a starting role. McDonagh has grabbed winning goals in each of the last two games after coming on as a substitute. Collins was philosophical about Osman's cup-tied status. "He is not available. We have known that from the day we took him in. That's life. It would have been brilliant to have him, but we haven't so what is the point of worrying," he said. "I'm not worried. If he played on Saturday and got injured for six weeks then that would worry me." 'Pool kick off brought forward The kick-off of United's New Year's Day trip to Hartlepool has been brought forward two hours to 1pm on police advice. Hartlepool currently lead Division Three and won 3-1 on the opening day at Brunton Park. Picture from News & Star |
