Gabby Agbonlahor

Wed 4 January 2023 14:40, UK

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted he “can’t see a problem” with Everton recalling Ellis Simms despite the backlash as Frank Lampard looks to make the best of his meagre January budget.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Lampard would be sacked at Goodison Park if he were to “complain” about a lack of funds.

Everton confirmed on Saturday (31 December) that Simms, 21, had been recalled from his spell at Sunderland – and he came off the bench during their 4-1 thrashing against Brighton on Tuesday (3 January).

Fans and pundits alike have had a lukewarm reaction to the decision, with Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray even revealing that the striker himself is a “bit frustrated” to be going back to Goodison Park mid-season.

Simms scored seven goals in 17 Championship appearances for the Black Cats.

Dominic-Calvert Lewin has recently returned from injury to lead the line for Frank Lampard’s side – who sit outside the Premier League drop zone by one point.

Football Insider revealed in November that Everton and owner Farhad Moshiri are not planning on spending big in January despite the prospect of another relegation battle.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t see a problem with recalling Simms.

“Frank Lampard knows his players, he knows he hasn’t got much to spend this month – and this is him knuckling down and getting on with it.

“Managers like Scott Parker have had the sack for complaining over and over about having no budget. If Lampard did that, he would be sacked too.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to get on with the hand you’ve been dealt.

“Simms has done well at Sunderland, so why not bring him back?

“Calvert-Lewin doesn’t look himself still, they’ve got Maupay who isn’t really a goalscorer – so what are you going to do?

“Lampard can’t sit there and sulk.”

In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Everton “mystery” is like “solving a Rubix cube” as two deals now all but done.