Everton defender Phil Jagielka says being available from between the middle and the end of November is a realistic return date.

The former Sheffield United player has been out since April after damaging his cruciate knee ligament in a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.

Jagielka had initially hoped to be back by the end of October or early November, although he now concedes the conclusion of the month is more likely.

"I'm feeling great," he told the Daily Star Sunday. "It's been a long, hard five-and-a-half months and there's still a way to go.

"Initially, I'd be hoping to be in back in the first week of November, but more realistic now is mid to late-November.

"We'll just have to wait and see, but there's an interesting date on 29th November - when it's Liverpool at home."