Ready For Action

Li Tie, was happy to get his first ninety minutes under his belt for nine months, and is ready for whatever Moyesy can throw at him. Li who played earlier in the week for the rezzies, was surprised he lasted ninety minutes, but was happy to do so, in helping Everton's second string gain at draw at West Brom.

Li says: "I felt good afterwards. It was the first time I’d played a whole game and I am very happy with that - it's a good start for me. I was a little bit surprised because the manager told me that I was only going to play the first half, but I ended up completing the 90 minutes! It's a big start for me. Over last few weeks I've been improving a lot, actually I can feel that every week. I played my first game three weeks ago, when I just played 30 minutes. Then I went back to China for national duty. On the down side, my national team failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, but on the other hand, the good thing is I can now concentrate on Everton.

I think it’s too early to think about when I’ll be back in the first team squad. For me the most important thing is to get more practice and more confidence through the reserve games. Playing for the reserves is really good for me and very useful. I know it’s hard to be out for over nine months. I need to play more reserve games to get my feeling and confidence back, it works, I can feel that, so does the manager." (02/12/04)

Hong Kong Dilemma

Everton's decision to let Li Tie Fly half way around the world to join up with his Chinese team mates to help improve his morale after 10 months on the sidelines with a broken shin, may back fire as the midfielder has said he is ready to play in the game against Hong Kong.

Li Tie says: "I have come back to shoulder the duty with everyone. It depends on the head coach whether I play and, if I do, where I play. I just have to show my best in training first."

Baz Rathbone says: "In our opinion Li Tie isn't available to play in the game against Hong Kong. He's only had 30 minutes of reserve team football in the last nine months. We know that the people connected with the national squad want him over there for morale. We're expecting him to train with them, but when someone's been out with a fractured leg for nine months it would be extreme to start an international fixture." (17/11/04)

No Go Li

Moyesy's concern over Li Tie's injury, has forced him not to let the Chinese International play in his countries' forthcoming World Cup Qualifier versus Hong Kong. Li has not been on the mend as the club had hoped, and although he is training, he is still suffering with a bad limp. Moyesy however still may let the midfielder meet up with the squad, as a morale booster for Li and China.

Moyesy says: "Li Tie isn't ready to play a game. It is such a big game for China that they are desperate to have him. We might let him go over to help with their morale because he is such an influential player for them, but he is not ready to play yet. He looks as if he is still a good couple of months away from being fully fit. It is a cause for concern." (03/11/04)

Call Up

Even though he hasn't played a full game since last season, Li Tie has been selected for the World Cup game against Hong Kong on 17th November 2004. This will be a tonic for the Chinese International. (02/11/04)

Rezzies Soon

Forgotten man Li Tie is now only a few weeks away from pulling on a shirt, albeit for the rezzies. Li who has been out for around ten months with shin problems, is now back in full training.

Basil says: "Li Tie had his consultation with the consultant in Manchester on Monday afternoon and he has now been given the go ahead to resume full training. He continues to make steady progress and hopefully he will be able to play some part in a reserve game later this month." (05/10/04)

First Team Soon

Everton's over worked, and no doubt underpaid physio Mick 'Basil' Rathbone, has given Moyesy a timely boost with the news that Li Tie should be in contention for the first team by the end of September.

Basil says: " We are hopeful he will be back by the end of September. He has been out for six and a half months now, but after a break on the shin it was always going to be a long lay-off. After the injury the Chinese FA kept him over there for almost four months. Since he came back we have been doing lots of rehab work. The biggest problem has been his ankle. It has been stiff and painful after such a long period immobilised. It has been a slow process but there has been steady progress. We have really been trying to move his ankle and it has been very uncomfortable at times - but he always says 'thank you' at the end of a session, which is refreshing !

This week he has started doing some kicking. It was the first time he had kicked a ball since February. He was tentative at first but by the end he was hitting the balls with full force and that 20 minutes of work has definitely been the most rewarding for him." (06/09/04)

Back Soon

Li Tie is expected to be back in full training by the end of this month, giving David Moyes a timely boost to the midfield.

Li Tie says: "This is the first time I've had such a serious injury in my career. I've never had this experience before and it has cost me a lot, not only for my body but also my time. I have spent more than half a year already recovering, I missed a lot of matches and training but optimistically I will go back into full training in two or three weeks' time. I hope I can start regular training with all my team-mates as soon as possible. Then I am going to fight for my place in the first team squad."(12/08/04)

No Trip

Li Tie has missed the trip to Austria. He is making progress, but not ready to play yet.

Bazza says: "We're a lot happier with the progress than we were a couple of weeks ago. All we can do is sit back and wait for the bone to heal. There's not loads we can do about it but he's certainly a way off from playing at the moment."

Can't Wait

Li Tie had one bad time of it last season but he wants to put that all behind him and hopes to make a big impact for the new season.

Li Tie says:" I missed so many matches last season and then I broke my shin white on national duty in January. I want to play as many games as I can. I hope that I can get more opportunities and I know I need to improve on my confidence which can help me to achieve more. (07/07/04)