Carling Cup: Grant draws battleline with Nigeria; Says if Aiyegbeni, Yobo play for Everton, Mikel ‘ll play today

08.01.2008

Stoke 0-0 Newcastle: Jamaican forward Ricardo
Fuller (m) causes a number of problems for the
Magpies' defence throughout the Carling
Cup match on Sunday. PHOTO: BBC

Chelsea boss Avram Grant intends to select John Obi Mikel for today's Carling Cup semi against Everton.

Grant is hoping Nigerian midfielder, Mikel will also be allowed to play in tonight's semi-final.

Grant said: "If the Nigerian players play for Everton, they will for us. It will not be one club and not the other. I don't think Drogba will be available for us - I think he will go to his national team."

Striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni and defender Joseph Yobo are now set to join the Super Eagles' squad after the first leg tonight.