A deflected strike from Darron Gibson has given Everton a 1-0 half-time lead over Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers at Goodison Park.

The Hoops had coped comfortably with Everton's forward ventures until the 43rd minute, when Gibson's long-range shot flicked off Clint Hill on its way into the net past a wrong-footed Julio Cesar.

Rangers had previously created several chances of their own, with Junior Hoilett coming within inches of bending an early shot inside of Tim Howard's far post.

Everton's American stopper was then called upon to make a one-handed save after Loic Remy collected a Park Ji-Sung pullback and struck powerfully towards the bottom corner.

The Toffees could move to within three points of the top four with victory this afternoon.