Everton welcome Gary O'Neil’s Ipswich Town side to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon
James Garner
James Garner (Image: (Michael Regan/Getty Images))
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James Garner believes Everton’s clash with Ipswich Town is even more important because of the upcoming three-week international break. The Blues welcome Gary O'Neil’s side to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
After a 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Everton set up a fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United with a win over Wolves on Wednesday night. And Garner admits that three points against the Tractor Boys are important because the Blues won't want to head into the break on a low, as they aren't back in action until they take on Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Sunday, October 11.
“1,000 percent, yeah, it is a big game and it is the last game before the lads go off on international duty,” the midfielder replied when asked about the importance of the contest.
“So I think this game is probably one of the most important ones because you either go out on a high or go out on a low and we want to go out on a high and keep the unbeaten run going.
“We are still unbeaten and we look really solid. We are scoring goals, but at the same time we are keeping the ball out the back of our net as well. Long may that continue.”
Garner underwent surgery on his groin during the summer and it was expected that he might miss the start of the season.
James Garner during Everton's win over Wolves
James Garner during Everton's win over Wolves(Image: (Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images))
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However, he returned in time to come off the bench against Crystal Palace on the opening day, before going on to start against Preston North in the Carabao Cup a couple of days later.
And Garner wasn’t surprised by how quickly he returned, saying: “Not really, no, because I know the type of mindset that I have got and even if I have had surgery, if it was up to me I would play the next day.
“But that is the type of person that I am. I am probably back earlier than what I should be, but that is just the type of person that I am. I want to be there to fight with the lads and show the manager that I am available.”