The 24-year-old - who spent three months last season on the sidelines following a broken foot which flared up again recently - made an impressive contribution when coming off the bench at Reading on Saturday.

It was his chip onto the crossbar which handed England striker Andy Johnson a golden chance to snatch what would have been a late draw for the Toffees, who had won their opening two Barclays Premier League games.

Scotland play South Africa in an international friendly at Hampden Park on Wednesday prior to key qualifying matches against Lithuania and France in September.

Moyes feels the striker can make the most of some extra game time to return ready to fight for a regular first-team place again.

"James did well when he came on, but I have always said he is a good player," the Everton boss said.

"He is coming back from a metatarsal injury, twice really, so he has missed games and pre-season work. I have been a bit reluctant to throw him in too soon.

"Hopefully he might get a game for Scotland this week, which will help rebuild his fitness, because in James' case, having missed bits, that will be good for him."

Striker Victor Anichebe, meanwhile, is not expected to be facing a lengthy spell out after he limped off at the Madejski Stadium.

"Victor landed awkwardly during the Reading match and jarred his ankle. I have had a look at it and it is a minor problem," head physiotherapist Mick Rathbone told the club's official website www.evertonfc.com.

Moyes has been linked with an £11million move for Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who was left out of the Middlesbrough squad for their game at Fulham.

However, the Everton boss refused to be drawn on the speculation when pressed following the defeat at Reading.