Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford being available for today's game with Southampton is a "massive boost" for Frank Lampard, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The £100,000 per-week star hasn't been involved since the Merseyside derby early last month but could make his comeback at St Mary's.

What's the latest news involving Pickford?

Despite Everton's slow start to the season, Pickford, who's been captaining the side in Seamus Coleman's absence, has been playing at the top of the game in the early weeks of the campaign.

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But in his most recent outing, the England international suffered a thigh problem against Liverpool, which has led to a spell on the sidelines.

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Fortunately for Pickford, with the trip to Arsenal postponed due to the death of the Queen, he only missed the 1-0 win over West Ham, although he was forced to withdraw from the England squad.

But Lampard confirmed in his press conference on Thursday that Pickford is fit and in the squad this afternoon.

What did Phillips say about Pickford?

He told GIVEMESPORT "Lampard's face [in his press conference] says it all.

"He's clearly pleased to have him back and it'll be a massive boost for this weekend.

"It remains to be seen whether he's fit enough to start or just in the squad, but it's a massive boost and he has been training during the international break, which has obviously gone well.

"I was told he would be back within one or two weeks, so he's obviously progressed really well and it's not just a huge boost for Lampard, but also the Everton fans and the players."

What's next for Everton?

Having beaten West Ham before the international break, Everton now go in search of consecutive wins for just the second time since August 2021 when they travel to Southampton on Saturday.

St Mary's Stadium hasn't proven a happy hunting ground for the Toffees in recent years, losing on five of their last six trips.

But Frank Lampard's side should be buoyed on by a four-match unbeaten run, which has lifted spirits on Merseyside following a tricky start to the season.

After travelling to Southampton, Everton are back at Goodison for the visit of Manchester United, with trips to Tottenham and Newcastle to follow before rounding off October with a home game against Crystal Palace and visit to Fulham.