Striker Darren Bent has declared himself well and ready for action against Liverpool in the Worthington Cup at Anfield on Wednesday. Bent visited hospital twice on Saturday night after suffering with stomach pains.

The 18-year-old striker is in Joe Royle's squad ahead of Wednesday's match and says he is feeling better, telling TWTD: “I've had a few blood tests and things like that. Nbody knows what caused it but hopefully I can put it behind me and just get on with playing football.”

Despite many feeling that the Worthington Cup is a minor competition Bent says that players approach each match with the same attitude: “Every game is serious at this level of football and it would be nice to get another good result in the Worthington Cup against Liverpool.”

Last season Bent scored his first senior goal in the Worthington Cup match at Newcastle's St James' Park. He says he'd like to add Anfield to the list: “It would be good. If I can get a chance I hope I'll stick it away. I'm not sure whether I'll start yet, but hopefully the gaffer will put me in the side. I started when we played at Anfield at the end of last season and enjoyed it despite the result. Hopefully I'll enjoy it as much this time.”

Town are without John McGreal (ankle) and Chris Makin (hamstring) while Tommy Miller is considered fit enough after his knee problem.

Richard Naylor is also in the squad after his knee problem while Nabil Abidallah is a surprise inclusion. The Dutch youngster, now 20, has been given a new lease of life under the new management team, back training with the first team after a spell away from the senior squad.

Andy Marshall will start in goal with Everton unwilling to allow Paul Gerrard to play in cup competitions. James Pullen will be back on the bench.

Manager Joe Royle has a proud record to defend at Anfield. As well as scoring there for Everton on a number of occasions he was unbeaten in five matches as manager of the Toffees.

The Town boss says he wants his side to make up for the 5-0 defeat back in May which saw Town relegated to Division One: “We want to put in a good show to make it up to the fans who had to suffer that.

“The league is all-important for us and a win at home to Rotherham next Saturday so vital, but cup success at Anfield would be great for our club.”

Squad: Abidallah, Ambrose, Armstrong, D Bent, Clapham, Couñago, Gaardsøe, Holland, Hreidarsson, Magilton, Marshall, Miller, Naylor, Pullen, Venus, Wilnis and Wright.

Photo: Action Images

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