Everton's Duncan Ferguson is set to finally make his comeback after five months out with a serious back injury.

Ferguson has seen his long-term career threatened by a trapped sciatic nerve - but is hoping to finally put his problems behind him.

He is pencillled in to play for Everton's reserves against Manchester City on Tuesday after a lengthy spell of rehabilitation.

Ferguson started training again recently but was still experiencing pain.

And Everton boss David Moyes is now determined to discover whether the giant Scot will ever be fit enough to play his part at Goodison Park.

Ferguson has been dogged by injuries since returning to Everton from Newcastle United in a �4m deal in the summer of 2000.

Moyes may pair Ferguson with Wayne Rooney, who is still short of match practice despite making his debut for England against Australia with a 45-minute appearance.