Duncan Ferguson lifts lid on Everton manager search, Moshiri talks, injury latest and Wayne Rooney links

Duncan Ferguson has been speaking to the media ahead of Everton’s game against Aston Villa at Goodison Park tomorrow (12.30).

The fans’ favourite has been appointed caretaker manager after Rafa Benitez was sacked last week.

Here are the key talking points from Ferguson’s pre-match press conference.

Managerial search

In an interview with Everton’s media department, Ferguson confirmed that he is in charge for the ‘upcoming games’.

However, there are reports suggesting he would be open to taking the role either until the end of the season or permanently.

Ferguson admitted he dreams about taking the Goodison reins one day - but it might come too soon for him this time around.

The Scot has also held talks with owner Farhad Moshiri this week.

He said: “I think maybe one day I always dream about becoming Everton manager but I’ve not quite got that experience.

“My job at the moment is to take the upcoming games, steady the ship and the club will go through a process and bring the new manager in.

“You never know in football. At the moment, my job is to focus on the next game. What happens down the line, that’ll be down to the club.

“I’m sure they’ll go through a good process looking for their new guy. We’re always looking for the best managers in the world and I’m sure they’ll find that and bring them to the club.

“I’ve spoken to him (Moshiri) a couple of times. Not very often because I’ve been mad busy.

“But he has given me the full backing. It’s one game at a time really.

“We need a winning manager who can build something and get us up the league. That’s what the owners will be looking for.

“It’s about winning, isn’t it?”

Selection hint

Everton go into the game on the back of just one Premier League victory in 13 matches.

As a result, they’ve dropped to 15th in the table.

Ferguson has hinted he’s ‘got to’ make some changes from the team that lost 2-1 at relegation-threatened Norwich City last weekend.

“I think if you go on a losing run, you’ve got to make some changes,” he said.

“It’s not been working. I’ll consider things tonight and name the team in the morning.”

Injury update

Richarlison and Yerry Mina both returned from respective calf injuries off the bench at Norwich.

Ferguson admitted that Everton almost have a fully-fit squad but Fabian Delph will again be absent.

He said: “We’ve got a more-or-less fully-fit squad. They’re all on the training pitch, all trained well, high intensity and seem to be happy enough and ready to play.

“We’re in a good place on the training field but that’s the training field.

“Fabian Delph, that’s more of a long-term injury. We’ve more-or-less got a clean bill of health.”

Rooney links

Wayne Rooney is one name who’s been linked with the Everton job.

The Derby County manager did not deny he’d be interested in the role when asked earlier today - although the Toffees have yet to make an approach.

Ferguson called Rooney - his former Everton team-mate - a ‘very good manager’.

“Wayne has done very well at Derby, he’s an Evertonian and the fans love him,” he said.

“That can be one candidate of many candidates but Wayne has proved himself at Derby of being a very good manager.”