Blues step up summer schedule in Scotland

DAVID MOYES has taken his Everton squad up to Scotland for a preseason training camp.

- By JOE THOMAS

It is the second getaway he has taken the players on since his return to the club in January, the squad having travelled to the UAE for a warm-weather escape in February.

It comes with most of the first-team having checked in for testing on what was the first day back at Finch Farm last Friday.

With the start of the preseason games just a week away - the Blues travel to League Two side Accrington Stanley on Tuesday - here are a few points of note from the trip north.

THE SIZE OF THE FIRST-TEAM GROUP

It will come as no surprise to anyone that the Blues have needed to take some of the leading lights from the academy to help fill out the squad.

As it stands, Moyes does not have enough senior players to make up a 20-man Premier League matchday squad without dipping into the academy - even if you include Harry Tyrer and starlet Harrison Armstrong.

With some of those involved in international duty at the end of the campaign having been given a later return date, the group is not at full size.

But if you want an idea of how much work is still required this summer, the list of players at the camp will give you an idea.

THE FRESH-FACED GOALKEEPERS UNION

There are several notable youngsters on the trip, including centre back Reece Welch, who was in the matchday squad when Everton defeated Newcastle United up in the North East on the final day of last season.