Neville - We'll cope without Felli

Toffees utility man believes in squad's strength in depth

Last updated: 12th January 2009

Neville - We'll cope without Felli

Fellaini: Two-match ban

We won't let that effect us coming into the Liverpool games. He was going to be suspended at some point in the season.

Neville on Fellaini absence
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Phil Neville says Everton have the strength in depth to cope without Marouane Fellaini for their double-header with Liverpool.

Fellaini will miss both of the Toffees' upcoming Merseyside derbies in the league and FA Cup after collecting his 10th booking of the season against Hull City which resulted in an automatic two-match ban.

Neville believes the booking against the Tigers was harsh, but that David Moyes' side have the quality to soldier on without their record signing who has become something of a talisman for the club.

"I thought it was very harsh," he told the club's official website on Fellaini's booking. "You look at the build up - one more booking and he was going to miss the derbies - and sometimes fate takes its toll.

Business as usual

"We won't let that affect us coming into the Liverpool games. He was going to be suspended at some point in the season.

"I think referees have been harsh with some of the bookings he's had and that was the case (on Saturday). Felli is disappointed but it gives someone else a chance."

Everton go to Anfield next week full of confidence on the back of a six-match unbeaten run and Neville sees no reason why they cannot make the short trip across Stanley Park and upset the Premier League pace-setters.

"We have got to believe that we are going to get the three points (on Monday) and we have got to believe we are going to get into the next round of the cup," he continued.

"We are in a situation where we can go to Anfield and enjoy what will be two fabulous occasions for the players, supporters and everyone connected with both clubs."