Lampard says Garner is ‘ready’ to play for Everton against United

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Everton manager Frank Lampard was asked about James Garner ahead of the clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

Garner has not made his debut yet for Everton, having struggled with injuries since United’s pre-season tour, where he did not get a chance to impress Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman reportedly told the midfielder to leave the club during the summer because he would not get enough chances to start.

And the England Under 21 international could make his first Toffees appearance against the club who sold him on transfer deadline day.

Lampard on Garner before facing United

Predictably, Lampard took a question about Garner at his pre-match press conference and said: “James is ready. Completely ready.

“When he came, he was very honest and said he wasn’t fit for the Liverpool game, like match fit. So we had to work him.

“He went away with the England Under 21s and played a game and now he’s completely ready. So he’s ready to go and the way he’s training, I’m excited to see him play and get him in the team.”

Garner would likely be desperate to make his first Everton appearance against the club who let him go in the summer.

It would be the kind of story football tends to throw up and Garner will want to show Ten Hag up close what he is missing out on.

United lost 1-0 at Goodison Park last season, during the Ralf Rangnick era, and Ten Hag will be looking for a far better performance this time around.

Some United fans may be worried that Garner will come back to haunt them if he plays, but it is up to Ten Hag to keep the momentum going.