Moyes Calls For Prem African Shutdown

Everton gaffer David Moyes has called for a Premier League shut-down during future African Cup of Nations tournaments...

In an ideal world, the bigwigs would have the African showpiece moved to the European off-season. These calls were rebuffed, though, by the Confederation of African Football, who are unwilling to make this compromise.

David Moyes is without Joseph Yobo, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Stephen Pienaar during this crucial period of matches. With the Toffees pushing for a European place this term, Moyes is of the opinion that the Premier League should accommodate the Cup of Nations instead.

"You cannot win. But maybe now we have to consider if we close the Premier League season down during the African Nations Cup," Moyes told AFP.

"That would be the correct respect for Africa and the players in it.

"If we want to bring players in from that part of the world we should be rightly allowed to do so, which we are, but it is not a fair playing field if you cannot field your best team."

Indeed, the fixture problems aren’t limited to Europe and Africa. Everton midfielder Tim Cahill may soon be on Australia duty, with FIFA clearly struggling to correlate the world football calendar.

"I think it's ridiculous that someone has to fly halfway around the world in between two league matches at this stage of the season," said Moyes.

"But Tim has to make the decision on whether he goes to play for Australia or not. He has got a hamstring injury just now so we will have to see if that hinders him in any way."

McFADDEN COMPLETES BRUM SWITCH

Birmingham have completed the signing of Everton striker James McFadden in a deal worth £6million.

The Scotland international is reunited with Blues boss Alex McLeish after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract with an option for a further two years.

Everton announced the completion of the deal on their website on Friday morning. The deal has gone through in time for McFadden to be available for Saturday's visit of Chelsea.

Birmingham, who also confirmed the transfer, have agreed to make a down-payment of £5m with another £1m depending on appearances.

McLeish is confident McFadden can make a big impact during the next five years with Blues.

The former Scotland boss said: "I am delighted to have signed James. He is not just a guy who can score great goals. He can also create things and make things happen and he has got a big heart.

"He is the type of player you know you are going to get everything from for the entire 90 minutes of a game.

"He has matured. He has had his initiation at Everton in the Premier League and for me he is a definite Premier League player. He has shown that in a very good Everton side this season.

"When he has come into the side, I am not so sure anyone has looked as good as him."

Blues striker Garry O'Connor is relishing the chance of reigniting his partnership with McFadden in the Scotland side at club level.

He said: "This is a great positive for Birmingham. I've worked with James in the past and he is a fantastic player. It is a great addition to the squad.

"He plays in any position - midfield or striker - so he is great to have him in the team.

"We played a couple of times together for Scotland and James never loses the ball and he has got that passion and commitment towards the game.

"He fights for every ball. He has got that attitude that if he loses the ball, he gets so frustrated and has to run back and chase people.

"He has got that little bit of quality which you have seen at international level and now probably in the Premier League. He can score fantastic goals from anywhere on the pitch."

McLeish has already signed Hibernian full-back David Murphy for £1.5million and is pressing ahead with his attempt to sign Aston Villa central defender Gary Cahill after being given permission to speak to him by Martin O'Neill.