Everton's Phil Neville says there is plenty up for grabs, despite losing out on a Carling Cup final spot.
Skipper relishes dual challenge of the league and Uefa Cup
Everton captain Phil Neville believes there is still plenty up for grabs this season, despite losing out on a Carling Cup final spot.
The Toffees were denied a Wembley visit by Chelsea last week, but Neville says the squad is still confident.
In the league, they are currently in the last UEFA Champions League spot, two points clear of Aston Villa and Manchester City in fifth and sixth place, and three in front of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
The Toffees can also look forward to competing in the Uefa Cup.
Looking ahead, Neville said: "There is still so much for us to play for. In the Premier League and then in a fortnight when we play our next Uefa Cup tie.
Competitive
"The competition for a place in Europe is as fierce as it has ever been. There are so many good teams in and around the top eight, and the manager has gone on record saying this is the most competitive season since the formation of the Premier League.
"But we are still very much in the mix and fully intend to stay there. We know the scale of the challenge and know it will not be easy to stay where we are.
"But despite the disappointment of not getting to Wembley, you can still see the confidence within the squad.
"Soon we will have our three players back from the African Nations Cup, things will get better and we do have the resolve."
He believed Everton are in a better position than fierce rivals Liverpool, who lost to West Ham this week.
Less pressure
Neville added: "There is certainly less pressure on us than on Liverpool now, because we are not expected to make the Champions League. When people talk of the top four they do not mention Everton but I would back my team against any of our rivals.
"For us to finish fourth would be outstanding, but I do not see any point talking about it until there is a month to go and we are still in a strong position."
He added: "I did not know Liverpool had lost until after the game, any maybe people will think I should be overjoyed.
"Of course it helps us when they lose, but I do not want to get too carried away with the current situation. Come the end of the season we will see how things are."
