Martinez hints at changes following West Brom debacle

Roberto Martinez has hinted at changes to his starting XI following Saturday's disappointing 1-0 defeat against West Brom.

Everton had 33 shots at the Baggies goal at Goodison Park but could only get six on target and failed to truly test goalkeeper Ben Foster, eventually slipping to a sixth home defeat of the season.

The result brought the Toffees' mini revival to a shuddering halt after three successive 3-0 wins has raised hopes that the season could yet be salvaged.

Kevin Mirallas once again failed to make it onto the pitch and showed his frustration by throwing his gloves at the feet of Martinez after warming-up for much of the second half.

Martinez admits that Mirallas has been unlucky to miss out in recent matches after scoring a fine goal against Chelsea last month before picking up an injury the following week.

The Everton boss has indicated that the Belgian winger may get his chance sooner rather than later, with next weekend's FA Cup trip to Bournemouth looming into view.

Martinez said:

"We’ve got a big squad and as you know we’ve been working hard to get that. You’re going to get players who are disappointed.

"Kevin is been very unfortunate because he had a really really good performance against Chelsea then picks up an injury against Swansea.

"Our attacking performers have been working really really well and Kevin has been working well, I have no problems with that, and I know he’ll be ready when the opportunity arises."

Another player who could force his way into the starting line-up is Oumar Niasse. The Senegal forward joined Everton on deadline day for £13.5m but was short of match fitness having not played for his previous club Lokomotiv Moscow since mid-December.

After sitting out Everton's last two matches Martinez believes the forward is edging closer to a Toffees debut:

"It’s been good to see him training and he’s getting very close. But he hasn’t been competing so we need to give him a plan.

"It could be a big risk to throw him into the Premier League

"It could be dangerous so another three or four good days will benefit him and give him the physical element that you need.

"But’s he’s been working really well so I don’t expect him to be missing in the next league game."