Everton

Steven Naismith: 'Everton can cope without Ross Barkley'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 18 August 2014

Everton midfielder Steven Naismith is adamant that the club already have enough quality to cover Ross Barkley, who may miss up to five months through injury.

Steven Naismith has insisted that Everton boast enough quality in the squad to supplement the loss of Ross Barkley.

The 20-year-old could reportedly miss up to five months after suffering a knee injury, but further scans are necessary to determine the full extent of the damage.

With 14 days remaining in the transfer window, manager Roberto Martinez may dip into the market, but Naismith - who scored in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Leicester City - says that there is no need.

"I grew up as a striker and I still react and move as a striker when the ball goes in the box, which showed in my goal," he told The Mirror.

"We worked all week and everybody was ready for the game. People weren't thinking: 'Oh no, Ross isn't playing. It's going to be a disaster'.

"If you look at our bench, we've got Leon Osman and Kevin Mirallas. We've definitely got enough players to cover."

Barkley emerged as one of the Toffees' standout players last season, helping them to a fifth-placed Premier League finish with a record points tally.