Neville a leader by example, says Moyes

Phil Neville has been a target of the boo-boys at Goodison Park during Everton's recent slump, but manager David Moyes is placing his faith in the former Manchester United man for the final three games of the season.

Moyes expects his captain to lead by example, as usual, as Everton take on Aston Villa tomorrow knowing that defeat will mean conceding fifth place and a possible spot in next season's UEFA Cup.

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Moyes said: "At this time of the season, people have take things, to keep wanting the ball. Phil Neville always wants the ball, is always brave and never hides from any situations. You have to give him 100 per cent credit for that.

"Phil does a great job for us in so many positions. He is an example to others to make sure you don't hide when maybe it's not going as well as it should be for you.

"I think he can play a real role, a captain's role, and his experience will be important to us."

A few weeks ago, Everton were competing with Liverpool for the final Champions League spot, but their Merseyside rivals only need a point to ensure fourth after an Everton run of five points in six games, during which time they have only managed three goals.

Not only have Everton almost been caught by Villa, they could still be overtaken by FA Cup finalists Portsmouth and Manchester City.

The immediate problem, though, is Villa. Moyes knows he has a battle to lift his side against opponents who are on a roll, having scored 15 goals in their last three matches.

He said: "We have tried to make sure we get the team right physically, but you have to also make sure they are right mentally and psychologically.

"It's easier to do that when things are going well. When they aren't going well, that's when you have to keep giving them confidence that they can turn it around."