Point to prove Moyes backs loan star to bring thrills

David Moyes has said Jack Grealish's determination to relaunch his career and prove people wrong in the process convinced him that the Manchester City outcast could bring excitement back to Everton.

- Andy Hunter

Grealish is in contention to feature in Everton's Premier League opener at Leeds tonight, according to Moyes, despite not playing in pre-season having fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola. The 29-year-old started seven league games for City last season and was left out of their Club World Cup squad. He was also omitted from the England squad last summer for the European Championship after losing his place following City's 2023 treble-winning campaign.

Moyes "tried to get as much information as I could" on Grealish's problems at City, although he has not spoken to Guardiola about what occurred, but says the player's hunger to recapture the form that made him Britain's first £100m footballer banished any doubts over the loan.