Moyes confirms Grealish set to start against Spurs on second Everton loan

David Moyes has confirmed Jack Grealish is in line to start Everton’s Premier League visit to Tottenham on Saturday, after the England winger returned to Hill Dickinson Stadium on loan for a second consecutive season.

Grealish came off the bench against Manchester United last weekend and delivered an encouraging performance, prompting Moyes to declare him ready for a full start. “I think Jack is ready to play,” the Everton manager said at a press conference. “He’s probably a boy who needs a football more than he needs the training sometimes. Game time helps Jack. But that’s still him building up to get to his best. He’s had a good week’s training and beginning to look ready to start.”

The 31-year-old quickly endeared himself to Toffees supporters during his initial loan spell, before a foot injury in January cut that stint short. Moyes made clear how much Grealish’s form could mean to the club’s season. “Incredibly exciting if he gives us what he gave us at the start of last season,” he said. “If we get that level from him then we’ll be thrilled.”

Everton head into the Spurs fixture unbeaten in the Premier League this season, having won against Crystal Palace and drawn with both Bournemouth and Manchester United. Tottenham, by contrast, are still searching for their first win of the campaign — Roberto De Zerbi’s side have yet to score a league goal, though they did secure their first point with a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend following defeats by Brentford and Newcastle.

Moyes also provided an update on fellow summer arrival Christian Norgaard, who remains sidelined with an injury and is not expected back until after the upcoming international break. “I don’t think we expected it to be as long as this,” Moyes admitted. “He’s hugely important for us, someone who we’re looking forward to gaining his experience, his nous and getting to know him, and at the moment we’ve not had him on the grass, so that’s been the disappointing thing.”

In a boost for Tottenham ahead of the fixture, Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract with the club, ending speculation over his future after he had been linked with a summer move away.