Everton coach Alan Stubbs admits he wishes he could still pull the boots on ahead of this weekend's derby against Liverpool.

The former Blues captain is now a coach with the reserve-team.

"I can't wait for it!" Stubbs told evertonfc.com. "It is a different feeling ahead of the derby. The excitement builds all week with the press and the public asking questions. They are all anticipating the game and are excited."

The Blues' reserve team coach says, for the players, the morning of the derby is a time to be fully focused.

"Come match day the excitement goes for the players and you realise it is real, the match is here so a few nerves start to kick in," he continued. "These are the games where you wish you were still playing."