Moyes grapples with ins and outs

DAVID Moyes admits he would like Harrison Armstrong to return on loan to Preston North End by the end of the month.

- By PAUL WHEELOCK

And the Everton manager has confirmed he has been given the green light to make signings in the January transfer window.

The Blues are currently without seven first-team players with Michael Keane, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz, Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman sidelined through injury and Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

And while centre-back Keane has 'a chance' of returning for Sunday's home clash with Brentford, ahead of that match, Moyes has bolstered his paper-thin squad by recalling Armstrong from his successful loan spell at Preston.

The 18-year-old midfielder has won rave reviews for his performances at Deepdale, scoring one goal in 17 appearances to help North End into the Championship playoff places.