Nuno the Saviour?

By Rhys Lewis
November 24 2005

David Moyes believes that the return of Nuno Valente will provide a much needed boost for his team. After the horror show against West Brom last weekend the return of the Portugese International couldnt have come at a better time.

Valente had a poor start to his Everton career after he his infamous 'dive out of the way' incident in Bucharest. But he was just starting to show why he is Portugal's number one left back when he pulled up with a hamstring injury against Chelsea last month. Valente began training again earlier in the week and is available for selection against Newcastle on Sunday. Though Moyes will have to be wary of thorwing Valente in too early, as was the case after Valente arrived from Porto in August.

Moyes said, 'We will need to wait to see how he is. He has been out for a few weeks but he resumed training on Monday.'

Moyes also revealed how Valente had stuggles to settle in to life on Merseyside.

'Like any other players who come in, it's not always easy to settle, especially in a new culture and with a new country's football, but he was just starting to get there when his hamstring went. But hopefully he will have had a little bit more of a chance to settle now and having his family here will help him settle down a bit more. He has moved into a house, so he is much happier.'

Not only will the return of Valente give David Moyes some extra options in the defence but it would allow Phil Neville to return to midfield, where he has played very well since his move from Manchester United in the summer.