Everton suffer Vaughan blow

Updated 09.43 Thu Jul 19 2007
Keywords: David Moyes, James Vaughan, Premier League, Everton, football, sport

David Moyes has suffered a blow after teenage sensation James Vaughan was ruled out of the start of Everton's Premier League campaign.

Vaughan suffered a dislocated shoulder in a collision with Youl Mawene during the Blues' 1-1 pre-season friendly draw at Preston.

"It will be months rather than weeks with James - a couple of months I should expect" - Alan Irvine

Assistant boss Alan Irvine told Everton's official website: "It will be months rather than weeks with James - a couple of months I should expect.

"Having suffered the injury myself I know how painful it is and how long it can take to get back.

"It is not a long, long-term injury - it is not anything like his knee problem - but it is not something we expect him to return from in a matter of weeks.

"It is bad, bad luck for him. After being out for so long he did really well at the end of last season and was looking good in pre-season so it is not just bad luck for the lad but also for the team."

Vaughan, the Premier League's youngest-ever scorer, battled back from a serious knee injury in 2005 to score four goals last season, including one on the final day of the Premiership season in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

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