Everton have booked James Vaughan into seeing renowned knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado.

Vaughan has already been operated on by him - and is heading for Colorado again after a bang on the right knee in training.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has backed Vaughan to come through the latest threat to his career.

Howard said: "I spoke to him earlier and wished him all the best. He's the sort of lad who will run through a brick wall for you and he deserves better than this.

"There are some players who will shy away from sticking their head in, or boot in, but not him. He will do it without a second thought.

"We are all gutted for him, but he has bounced back before and will do it again."