BOLASIE SET TO END 12 MONTHS OF HEARTBREAK

Winger returns for first time since December 4, 2016 and Sam insists: Yannick will give us the X-factor we have missed this campaign

YANNICK BOLASIE will end a year of injury agony tonight and, according to his new boss Sam Allardyce, it won’t come a minute too soon.

Big Sam says his flying winger has a quality his side simply can’t replicate.

“We have been crying out for what he offers,” the former England manager said as he prepared for the visit tonight of struggling Swansea.

Bolasie’s cruciate ligament exploded in a game against Manchester United in early December last year and he has spent the last 12 months fighting to overcome an injury that has ended many careers.

He came through 45 minutes for the Everton Under-23s on Friday against Dinamo Zagreb, and afterwards took to Twitter to express his delight.

Allardyce hinted Bolasie will be on the bench tonight, saying the former Crystal Palace man can bring pace and creativity to a forward line that has lacked menace for much of the season.

“You’re talking about ability and pace in that position. They are his major assets,” said Big Sam, who has guided Everton up the table since his arrival.

“He is blessed with dynamic movements and pace that cause defenders great concern. He probably occupies two players when he’s at his best because he’s such a danger in possession.

“It will be very pleasing to have him back in the squad.”

Bolasie said after his return in a goalless draw against Zagreb that he was relieved to even be playing football again, such was the extent of his knee injury.

He tweeted: “A good week for me all in all. Just happy to be touching the field again. Remember it could be all gone tomorrow.”

And Allardyce insisted that even though the winger should be on the bench for the visit of Swansea, he must be careful.

“We can’t expect too much,” he said.

“He will be a little rusty but if he does hit his level straight away that would be absolutely fantastic for us.

“He’s desperate to get back but we have to control that desire and make sure he doesn’t injure the knee again.”

Allardyce has no doubts that Everton’s £28million signing will make a massive impact in a Blues shirt in the coming months.

“It’s been a fantastic journey for him and because of that there’s a great opportunity for him to stay at the top level for as long as possible,” he said.

“Hopefully he will make a big contribution to our team when he comes back.”