ACADEMY FOOTBALL: Welcome return for Seargeant; EVERTON.

Byline: CHRIS WRIGHT 

EVERTON under-18s bid to kickstart their FA Premier Academy League Group C title challenge as they face second-placed Manchester United at Netherton tomorrow (kick-off 11am).

Neil Dewsnip's side, who hope to welcome back midfielder Christian Seargeant after injury, missed the chance to close the gap on United last week. Everton could only draw 1-1 with Liverpool as United were doing the same against neighbours Manchester City, who are third in the table.

But all is not lost in the race for the title and a place in the National playoffs. Dewsnip's youngsters are nine points behind United in fourth place, but do have two games in hand.

Victory tomorrow would put pressure on United and City, although all three sides face stiff competition from new leaders Blackburn Rovers, who went back to the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Bolton.

Everton face Blackburn next week, but first Dewsnip's side must see off United. The Everton coach said: 'With City and United drawing we missed a great opportunity to get two more points on both of them.

But Blackburn could still be difficult to catch. But there is still a lot of football to be played.

'Manchester United is obviously a massive game and it is one we need to win if we are going to seriously challenge. But we are happy overall and we will just see how we go.'

Everton will be boosted by the return of Seargeant, who had played an influential role in early season, but has been missing for more than a month with a foot injury. Dewsnip said: 'Early on he was doing really well for the under18s and it will be nice to have him back.'

Still out injured though are keeper Sean Lake, defender Stephen Wynne and midfielder James Harris