Last Updated: Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:10
Everton's England centre half Phil Jagielka says he does not expect to walk back into the side after sitting out the last two months.
The former Sheffield United star has been out of David Moyes' side since the turn of the year when he picked up ankle ligament damage in the clash against Bolton.
After extensive treatment he came through the entire 90 minutes of the mini derby on Tuesday and is now ready to return to the side. Jagielka though knows he can not expect to walk back into the starting line up as John Heitinga and Sylvain Distin have forged a formidable centre-back partnership in his absence and the side are in the middle of an eight game unbeaten run.
Jagielka knows it will be difficult to fight his way back into the starting line up, although with four games in 11 days he may find himself called upon.
"It was good to get the 90 minutes under my belt," he told the Post.
"I have been training since last week and now I've had this so hopefully I will be challenging to be in the squad at the weekend.
"We have got a lot of games coming up so it's important to have as many people fit as possible.
"Johnny and Sylvain have been playing well and if I have to sit on the bench for a month because we are winning then so be it."
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