Westerveld on hand to ease crisis

Everton have signed former Liverpool player Sander Westerveld on loan to ease their goalkeeping crisis.

The Toffees were given permission by the Premier League to sign emergency cover after suffering a number of injuries and suspensions.

Nigel Martyn is recovering from an ankle injury and Richard Wright is out for six weeks with ligament damage, while rookie Iain Turner was sent off after just nine minutes of the 1-0 win over Blackburn.

That left manager David Moyes with just teenager John Ruddy - who made his debut as Turner’s replacement - as his only available senior goalkeeper.

Westerveld is currently at Portsmouth but has made just seven appearances for the club this season.

The 31-year-old could go straight into the team for the trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

PA