David Moyes has backed his young striker James Vaughan to fight his way back from injury.
Since his debut in April 2005, aged 16, Vaughan has been plagued by a series of injuries.
The 20-year-old will undergo cartilage surgery in Colorado, but Moyes is adamant that Vaughan will bounce back and fulfil his potential.
“I do not fear for the boy’s career, but it is always a shame when a youngster has the problems he has had,” said Moyes.
After making his England Under-21 debut in summer 2007, Vaughan was sidelined for four months after dislocating his shoulder.
He returned in November last season before suffering nasty injury on his left knee that has kept him out ever since.
He had returned to training with The Toffees, before suffering cartilage damage on his right knee, which requires surgery.
Despite calls that this latest injury threatens his career, Moyes is confident Vaughan will return and enjoy a successful career.
“I’m really disappointed for the boy. We were just beginning to get him back into training and he was much better than he has been for a while,” he said.
“I just hope he comes back better and will be ready to play as quick as he can.”