Simonsen ready for Everton return

Simonsen has only made four Premier League appearances for the Potters

Stoke goalkeeper Steve Simonsen has praised former manager, Everton boss David Moyes, as he prepares to face his previous club.

Simonsen joined the Toffees from Tranmere Rovers in 1998 for �3.3m, which was a British transfer record for a keeper at the time.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "Moyes has given the club stability and I think that has gone a bit unnoticed.

"He won't mind that though, he'll keep on trying to break into the top four."

The 29-year-old was released by Moyes in 2004 to join Stoke on a free transfer.

And he added: "I've not been back there since I left and I'm looking forward to it.

"I live in the area and a lot of friends support the club, so I'm always aware of what's going on."

One of Simonsen's team-mates and another former Evertonian, James Beattie, will be relishing a return to Goodison Park.

Beattie has scored five goals in seven games for the Potters since his �3.5m switch in January from Sheffield United.

In contrast the 30-year-old striker had a disappointing two seasons on Merseyside between 2005 and 2007, finding the net 13 times in 86 Everton appearances.

Simonsen says Beattie will be looking to prove a point when he runs out in front of the Goodison crowd: "He didn't have the happiest times there but he's a fantastic player and hopefully he can show them what he can do."