DAVID MOYES was handed an derby injury headache last night when James McFadden suffered a pulled hamstring while playing for Scotland.
McFadden was forced off after just 22 minutes of his country's Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania in Kaunas.
Scotland went on to win the game 2-1, but McFadden will now be missing for Saturday's Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison.
Ironically, McFadden's impressive performances for his country this season had led Moyes to yesterday hint the forward can play an integral role for Scotland and Everton this season and beyond.
Meanwhile, Lee Carsley is confident manager Moyes can plot Everton towards derby success this weekend.
The Goodison outfit host neighbours Liverpool on Saturday in the 204th Merseyside derby with confidence high after an unbeaten start to the season.
However, Everton will have to overcome a poor recent record against Rafael Benitez's side that has seen them win only one of the last 13 meetings between the sides.
That came in December 2004 at Goodison, when Carsley's goal ensured a 1-0 victory for Moyes's men en route to a fourth-placed Premiership finish.
Now the midfielder believes Everton are fully prepared for a repeat triumph.
"We won't just be going out there and hoping for the best," said Carsley. "The manager is very big on systems and tactics and there certainly will be a thoroughly thought-through gameplan."
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