Sam Allardyce confirms he’ll give James McCarthy’s his second start of the season

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Everton are set to take on Apollon Limassol in the Europa League and Sam Allardyce will ring the changes.

Sam Allardyce has confirmed to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, which was broadcast on TalkSPORT on 4th December, that James McCarthy will make his second appearance of the season for Everton against Apollon Limassol on Thursday evening.

Everton take on the Cypriot team in the Europa League in midweek, and the game is effectively a friendly for the Toffees.

Everton are already out of Europe, after a dismal campaign, and Allardyce has confirmed that all his key players will be rested.

“No doubt,” he said, when asked if he’d make changes on Thursday evening.

“It’s a dead rubber for Everton. It’s an opportunity to put the squad players in who have been short of games. Somebody like James McCarthy could get 60 minutes.”

McCarthy has been out injured for the campaign so far, with his only appearance coming in the EFL Cup against Chelsea back on October.

Everton will welcome McCarthy back to the fold when he does return to full fitness, as the Republic of Ireland international should offer them energy in midfield.

Everton won their match match under Allardyce’s stewardship at the weekend, as they picked up a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town.

The Toffees recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season, and their focus will firmly be on this weekend’s upcoming game against Liverpool.

If Everton can pick up a win at Anfield, they could move up to ninth in the Premier League table.