Andros Townsend told to ‘prove himself’ at Everton after injury update – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted Andros Townsend has to “prove himself” to Frank Lampard to regain his place in the Everton starting lineup.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said Townsend will be given the opportunity to stake a claim in the starting lineup.
The 31-year-old is continuing to recover from an ACL injury suffered in March.
Speaking to club media earlier this month (6 November), the winger said he does not expect to return to training until after the World Cup.
The former England international said he is “dreaming” about being able to score in front of a home crowd at Goodison Park and insisted it is motivating him to continue his recovery.
Everton are currently 17th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the relegation zone heading into the second half of the season.
When asked if Townsend could be given a chance in the starting lineup once he is fit, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think he will have to go and prove that.
“I think he will be given his opportunity. It is always difficult when you are out for a long period of time. All the fans have seen what he is capable of.
“He can score some screamers, he is very direct, he wants to try and make things happen. I think Lampard will give him his opportunity and it is up to him to go and show that he is capable of doing it and doing it consistently.
“The ball is in his court now and he has to go and prove it.“
In other news, Robinson has issued ‘big’ Everton verdict after source’s transfer reveal pre-January.