• Premier League

Jagielka willing to fight for place

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 9, 2012
Phil Jagielka was injured against Bolton in January © PA Photos
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Fit-again Everton defender Phil Jagielka is expecting a real battle to win back his place in the team following a run of eight games without defeat for the Toffees.

England international Jagielka has been sidelined since damaging his knee ligaments against Bolton in January but he came through a full 90 minutes for the reserves, against Liverpool, in midweek.

The centre-back is now pushing for a place in the starting line-up against Tottenham at Goodison Park on Saturday, but accepts his way might be blocked by the impressive pairing of John Heitinga and Sylvain Distin in the centre of defence.

"It was good to get the 90 minutes under my belt," said Jagielka. "I have been training since last week and now I've had this so hopefully I will be challenging to be in the squad at the weekend.

"We have got a lot of games coming up so it's important to have as many people fit as possible. John and Sylvain have been playing well and if I have to sit on the bench for a month because we are winning then so be it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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