agielka edges closer to comeback

Jagielka suffered his injury earlier this year against Manchester City Everton and England defender Phil Jagielka has been cleared to resume training after six months on the sidelines with a cruciate knee injury. The 27-year-old required surgery after rupturing his left knee against Manchester City in April forcing him to miss the FA Cup final against Chelsea. He is expected to come into first-team contention by mid-November. Everton head physio Mick Rathbone said: "We are pleased with Phil and he is doing some good quality ball work now." It is a huge boost for Jagielka who was in impressive form throughout last season, shining for the Toffees and his country. The former Sheffield United defender made his first England start in February in the 2-0 friendly defeat in Spain and also scored the winning penalty against Manchester United, which booked Everton's place in the FA Cup final. Jagielka admitted he "cried and cried and cried" when he realised he would not play at Wembley in April. Rathbone is satisfied with Jagielka's rehabilitation so far, adding: "When we talk about the recovery time from a cruciate injury the absolute minimum is six months. "The surgeon will not let a player go into any type of contact work for at least six months then you have to add on time to build up fitness and play in a few reserve games. "So you are looking at over seven months for a quick comeback." At the end of September, Jagielka also had to contend with thieves breaking into his Cheshire home and threatening him with a knife.