The Scot admits he had no idea sub-zero temperatures had caused major problems at Goodison Park until he was told the game was off.

Everton were forced to call off the Barclays Premier League fixture due to several miles of frozen water pipes at the ground yesterday morning.

Moyes said: "We knew nothing about it until 10.30am on the day of the game. I had no inclination there was even the remotest chance the game could be off.

"If there was I would have spoken to (Birmingham manager) Alex McLeish. I know him and I feel more for them that they had to travel up, away from their families on Christmas Day.

"They came and put their kit out in the morning then found out the game was off. But it happens. People will tell you they have had frozen and burst pipes in their homes.

"It is not nice when it happens and it is no different for a football club. People wouldn't have had toilet facilities for three hours, no hot drinks.

"It would have been very difficult to put a game on under those circumstances."

The lack of action brought frustration for the players but Moyes hopes the break can work to their advantage.

Instead of playing, the Toffees held an extra training session to prepare for tomorrow's trip to West Ham.

They also got the opportunity to watch the Hammers in action on television in the early Boxing Day kick-off.

Moyes said: "We came in and trained and watched the games, thinking we should have been playing.

"You miss it when it is like that, we would rather have played.

"It's hard for the players. They had prepared, trained Christmas Day and worked hard. They were ready for the game.

"But obviously the two games in three days was going to be hard for any squad.

"It gives one or two players a little more time and we are now hoping to build on the result at Manchester City at West Ham."

Everton memorably won 2-1 at Eastlands last Monday, a victory which ended a seven-game winless run.

It put more distance between them and the bottom three but they will face a Hammers side tomorrow also lifted by a good result.

Avram Grant's side beat Fulham 3-1 yesterday to lift themselves off the bottom and ease considerably the pressure on their manager.

Moyes said: "Anybody who knows anything about football will tell you West Ham have good players.

"They are off the bottom, so it just shows you things can turn around in football very quickly.

"West Ham is always a difficult place to go and they had a really good result against Fulham.

"We are going to have to play well to get a result."

One benefit of the postponement is that defenders Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga have had an extra two days' rest.

Both were major doubts to face Birmingham due to thigh and knee injuries respectively.

The pair are still facing a battle to prove their fitness but Moyes is hopeful both will travel.

Steven Pienaar is also in contention after a groin problem and Mikel Arteta returns from suspension.

Moyes is anxious to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window but, after yet more speculation linking him with players this week, has again stressed he can only afford loans.

The Scot said: "We don't have the cash to lay down plans.

"I'd like to bring in players on loan, I'd like a centre forward if possible.

"But anybody who sees any speculation linking me with anybody who is going to cost money might as well throw that aside.

"It can't be true, we don't have any cash.

"We are out there trying to bring in some loans if we possibly can and that is the situation."