Roberto Martinez: 'Lacina Traore ready to make Everton debut'

Everton striker Lacina Traore is ready to make his debut against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park this evening.

The tall striker was signed on loan from Monaco until the end of the season, but has so far been unable to make his Blues bow due to an injury.

However, manager Roberto Martinez has said that the Ivorian forward will be involved against the Eagles tonight.

The Liverpool Echo quotes the Spaniard as saying: "He is progressing really well. I didn't expect him to be available just yet but he is. It's just a case of getting him that match fitness to avoid any sort of risk.

"He is not far off. I think he will be involved somehow but I don't think he's ready to play 90 minutes yet."

Romelu Lukaku remains sidelined with an ankle problem, and captain Phil Jagielka recently admitted that he was worried about the side's lack of firepower without the Belgium international.