Cricket: Carsley's Goodison future in the balance; Wolves' new manager McCarthy keen on bringing midfielder back to Midlands.

Byline: BY IAN DOYLE In Columbus, Ohio 

LEE CARSLEY'S Goodison future was in the balance last night after Wolverhampton Wanderers revealed their interest in the player.

The midfielder was not part of the Everton party that flew to Columbus for the first leg of their tour to the United States on Monday after staying behind for family reasons.

And it emerged yesterday that new Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is keen on taking the 32-year-old to Molineux, with Championship rivals Stoke City also understood to be interested.

A return to his Midlands roots could prove a major lure to Carsley, who still lives in the area.

Transferring to Wolves would also see him work once again with McCarthy, under whom he won most of his 29 caps for the Republic of Ireland before retiring from international football, a decision he has since reversed following the instalment of Steve Staunton as Ireland coach as successor to Brian Kerr.

Carsley missed almost all of last season through injury and, with only a year remaining on his present contract and Everton manager David Moyes having a wealth of options in central midfield, it may be a move would serve the best interests of both par ties.

Moyes would then possibly be handed whatever funds were generated to help facilitate any further squad strengthening before the start of the season.

Everton move on to Dallas today after having completed a three-day stay in Columbus with their friendly against Columbus Crew earlier this morning.

James McFadden, Andrew Johnson and Joseph Yobo all missed the game with the minor niggles that forced them to sit out training earlier in the week.

Yobo, who had a knee complaint, is expected to train today but Johnson is a doubt for Saturday's friendly with Mexican side Club America due to the groin problem that curtailed his involvement against Celtic last Sunday. McFadden was sidelined against both Celtic and Preston North End last midweek with a thigh injury, but believes he will be fit for the weekend.

"I've got no pain in my thigh now and if I was asked to play then I would definitely say yes," said the Scotland international.

"It's probably just a precaution not to be involved. I had a slight thigh strain last week and felt it when we were training before the Celtic game and I could tell it wasn't ready."

Everton manager Moyes has already seen signs the tour can replicate their visit to Houston in 2004 by acting as a catalyst for a strong start to the for thcoming Premiership campaign.

"The players are in good form and there is a good spirit among the players," said Moyes, who dismissed reports of a bid for AC Milan defender Dario Simic. "They seem to love coming here to America.

"The facilities are good here. It gives us a chance to give them a workout.

"We can spread training out a bit and give the players a chance for some free time which is also important. It's not all about hard work, they need to rest and it's good that they get to look around different places.

"I felt that being in America had given us the boost to go on and have the best season we had in a long time. I do not think we will be able to recreate Houston, where there were jaw-dropping facilities, but we are hoping this trip gives us a focus for a good start to the season."

Moyes, meanwhile, confirmed Everton have been tracking highly-rated 17-year-old Dundee midfielder Kevin McDonald.

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