Lescott can make big time - Moyes

Jul 10 2007 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo

Joleon Lescott in action (158)

DAVID MOYES today challenged Joleon Lescott to build on his terrific first season at Goodison Park and give Steve McClaren a welcome selection headache.

The 24-year-old’s form following his £3m move from Wolves was one of the highlights of Everton’s successful push for Europe last season and he earned international recognition in May when McClaren picked him for England’s B friendly against Albania.

While Moyes has no doubts over Lescott’s ability, he believes the versatile defender must now show he can produce such outstanding performances over a lengthy period of time if he is to really push for an England place.

But even though England are blessed with a number of top class centre-backs, Moyes is certain that Lescott has the class to make his presence felt and his case was given a further boost yesterday when Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher gave him a glowing reference.

“Jamie Carragher has probably been one of the main reasons why Liverpool have done so well in recent years and he reminds me very much of the way Tony Adams was at Arsenal,” said Moyes, whose squad arrived in Florence last night for the start of a four day training camp.

“He is reliable, consistent and a top drawer defender but probably sometimes hasn’t got the recognition or the plaudits that he deserves.

“So it’s very good that he has mentioned Joleon’s name in terms of playing for England in the future.

“The second season in the Premier League can sometimes be difficult for players who have come up from the Championship but the signs are that Joleon is ready for it.

“He has been showing us in the past week that he has prepared properly and he’s looked after himself.”

Lescott will become only the third Everton player since the inception of squad numbers in 1993 to wear the number five jersey when the new campaign begins and the manager hopes his career at Goodison Park can be as distinguished as his predecessors.

“There’s no real significance in him being given that shirt,” said Moyes.

“Dave Watson and Davie Weir were tremendous players for Everton and if Joleon can match their achievements, we will have a tremendous player on our hands.”

Everton, meanwhile, have been pursuing other interests to bolster their midfield for the past few days after West Brom priced Jason Koumas out of a move to Goodison.

Wigan are confident of unveiling the Wales international in the near future after they offered him a substantial pay rise and had a £5.3m bid accepted by The Baggies, even though Koumas said earlier this summer that joining Everton would be a “dream move”.