Everton boss Dave Moyes says their tour of the USA is vital in their preparations for the new season.

Speaking to evertonTV Moyes said: "We've tended to be successful when we've come back from America. We are comfortable with the surroundings when we've been here.

"The players work hard first thing in the morning and in the evening and that gives them a bit of free time in the day. I think they appreciate that little bit of down time and it helps them to get themselves in good shape for the season."

Moyes has welcomed back some of his more experienced players for the pre-season tour. Tim Howard, Steven Pienaar and Yakubu have all joined up with the squad and the Everton boss is delighted to see their return.

"We need them [the experienced players] because they were the boys who got us fifth last year. But the young lads have done well in the games and if they keep progressing they may well become squad players as the season progresses.

"We want to continue getting players fit. One or two players have returned now - Tim Howard, Steven Pienaar, Yakubu - so we're really trying to get as much training into them as we can. It's good to see them back amongst the boys in training."