 I’VE been championing the prospect of a James Beattie/Andy Johnson strike partnership ever since this season kicked off. But I was hoping the circumstances in which we got to see it in action might have been just a little different. Injuries to both of the young guns who sparkled against Fulham mean that Beattie should finally get his chance to show what he can do. It’s been a season to forget for Everton’s number nine. But now he has the opportunity to end it memorably. He has conducted himself well off the pitch while James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe have been preferred to him. Now he should get the opportunity to show what he can do on it. I felt for Vaughan yesterday. He was performing superbly again, he tucked his goal away clinically – then he sustained what can only be described as a freak injury. But so often in football one player’s misfortune is another player’s opportunity. And with games against relegation threatened Charlton and West Ham looming, then one of the big games of the season, the visit of Manchester United, following hot on their heels – the time could be right for Beattie to end the season with a flourish. I’ve always thought that Beattie and Johnson’s games should complement each other perfectly. Beattie is a traditional centre-forward with decent aerial ability, while Johnson has the pace to exploit the channels and get on the end of flick-ons. That partnership clicked within minutes of the season starting, Beattie releasing Johnson to score his first Everton goal against Watford, but for whatever reason it hasn’t happened since. But Beattie hasn’t sulked or moaned while he’s been sitting it out in the dug-out – and now is the time for him to let his football do the talking. Blues can triumph - but Addicks are no pushovers >>> | 
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