Everton boss Frank Lampard has explained recalling Ellis Simms from his loan with Sunderland.

Ellis has had his spell on Wearside cut short six months.

After their draw at Manchester City, Lampard explained: "Yeah, I think it's been a positive loan.

"He's scored some goals, he's playing regularly. He needed that for his own development, his own feeling at the start of the season.

"Where we're at now, I want options on the bench. I want the challenging of players who can come in and give us something.

"He can come back, train well and is an Everton player so come and be an Everton player and show us what he's done in the Championship at that level more whenever he gets the chance.

"It'll good to see Ellis back in the next day or so and adds to the squad for us."