Alan Stubbs returns to take Everton coaching role

Stubbs left Everton in January for Derby County but the centre-back was forced to retire after just one game of this season with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Leighton Baines will be handed a chance to revive his Goodison Park career this evening - as Joleon Lescott looks to kickstart his own spluttering campaign.

Both defenders are expected to start when Everton visit Blackburn Rovers in an eye-catching Carling Cup third round tie.

Baines has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place since arriving from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2007, hampered by niggling injury and the form of Lescott at left-back.

Sunderland were thought to be considering a move for the 23-year-old ahead of the transfer deadline before opting to sign West Ham United's George McCartney.

Baines started Sunday's game at Hull City but was replaced after just 45 minutes by Lescott, with Everton subsequently fighting back from 2-0 down to earn a draw.

And assistant manager Steve Round has urged Baines to make the most of hisfirst-team opportunities and realise a potential to become one of the finest left-backs in the top flight.

"I've been impressed with Leighton in training," said Round. "He is getting his head down and working, and although he missed the first couple of weeks of pre-season because of his operation in the summer, he's now fully fit.

"He's not complained and moaned about not playing, he's got on with it and is a very good professional.

Leighton paid the price a little bit last season for Joleon having played so well at left-back.

"I think he could be one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, he just has to push forward and establish himself.

"This season, if he gets his opportunity he has to take his chance. He has to be up for that fight."

Of his substitution on Sunday, Round added: "Leighton was actually complaining of suffering double vision, but the manager was thinking about a tactical change anyway and we decided to take no chances with him."

Lescott had been dropped to the bench in a Premier League game for the first time in more than a year after a series of below-par performances this season, culminating in a poor display against Standard Liege in the UEFA Cup three days earlier.

But, after an improved showing on his half-time introduction at the KC Stadium, Lescott is set to be restored to his preferred centre-back role at Ewood Park.

"I'm sure it would have been a shock to Joleon to be dropped," said Round. "I think he's the type of player who would put his hands up and say he deserved to be out, that he can't make the mistakes he has made at this level.

"But he'll turn round and say if he's put back in, he'll prove his worth. That's the reaction the manager wants.

"Joleon isn't one to throw his toys out the cot and say he doesn't to play. He doesn't complain. He's a real stand-up guy, and will want to be given the chance to show what he can do."

Injury and illness will force Moyes to rotate his resources tonight. Victor Anichebe remains sidelined with an ankle problem, while Mikel Arteta is a major doubt through illness and Leon Osman is still bothered by a knee complaint.

With Carlo Nash cup-tied, Tim Howard could be replaced by Iain Turner in goal if he continues to suffer from the virus that has affected him during the past week.

Tim Cahill could be rested to the bench after playing three games in eight days after six months out, while Louis Saha, James Vaughan and Jack Rodwell are hopeful of starting.

Meanwhile, Tony Hibbert has resumed full training after medial ligament surgery. But while tonight's game has come too soon for the right-back, he has an outside chance of being fit for Saturday's Goodison derby.