Neville earns Moyes praise

Toffees boss hails skipper

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 19th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Neville earns Moyes praise

Neville: Leads by example

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David Moyes has hailed Phil Neville as 'exemplary' on the verge of his 200th appearance for Everton.

The versatile 33-year-old ended an 18-year association with Manchester United in 2005 when he turned his back on the Red Devils and made the short trip to Merseyside.

His decision to try his luck elsewhere, after never being a first-team regular at Old Trafford, has paid off handsomely, with Neville quickly establishing himself as a vital cog in the Toffees machine.

He is now club captain at Goodison Park, reward for all his hard work, and Moyes believes snapping Neville up represents one of the better pieces of business during his time in the Everton hot-seat.

"He has been exemplary since he has been here as a professional and as a player," said the Scot.

"Coming from Manchester United, a lot of people might have seen it as a step down but I think he saw it as a step up.

"He has grasped the opportunity, he has brought leadership and a winning mentality. He doesn't half take the ball and take responsibility. Even when it is not going right he still wants it, that is a great trait to have.

"He plays every game as if it is his last and is really disappointed when he is not winning or doing well.

"He has a lot of things that are difficult to teach people and the way he prepares himself for every game is a credit."

Neville will be hoping to lead Everton to European qualification this term, with the Toffees hoping to stage a late rally and force their way into the top seven.

Moyes said: "There is always something to play for. When I took over I used to think Everton would get themselves in a safe position by Easter and then knock off.

"That was my impression and we had to get that knocked out of them. The players can't afford to knock off or I will be on their case.

"They are playing well now and have been for the last two or three months. We have had the odd blip here and there but overall I have been really pleased with how they have done.

"But if we want to finish the season on a high we are going to have to continue winning at Goodison (where they have won their last six home games)."