GOALS flowing again as Blues hit back

GARNER AND BARRY ON TARGET AS EVERTON RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

- By JOE THOMAS

AFTER the formalities on the final whistle, David Moyes stalked the pitch in search of the heroes who ended his year on an almighty high.

Before this match he had smiled to the TV cameras but his grin did little to hide the pain as he relayed the news he had just 11 fit outfield players with Premier League experience to select from at Nottingham Forest.

At the end of it, he was hunting down the few left standing to hug, grapple and clasp in celebration. Remarkable away wins have been a theme of his return to Everton. They have been characteristic of his year in charge. Yet this was astonishing. Perhaps the best.

And that came through in his post-match reaction. He found Jake O'Brien on the halfway line and grabbed the towering defender in a warm embrace - one that shook with gratitude after the Republic of Ireland international delivered his second immense display at centre back this month - the first having come in the win at Bournemouth that kickstarted December.

Moyes then found James Garner locked in discussion with Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, breaking up their huddle and pulling him towards the away end, locking him under his arm as he enjoyed a touching moment with the midfielder who has become his most trusted figure in his Everton rebuild. Garner provided a goal and an assist in this unlikely victory. Moyes is desperate for the 24-year-old to be locked down to a new deal and his display at the City Ground will no doubt be a catalyst for an intensification of the ongoing talks between the club and player's camp. Both want a positive resolution. Moyes later said he was "comfortable" with the state-of-play as he continued to wax lyrical about a player whose campaign for England selection he is driving.