David Moyes plots route to UEFA Cup glory

Oct 10 2007 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo

David Moyes (158)

DAVID MOYES was today plotting a lengthy run in Europe after Everton were the beneficiaries of a “pleasing” UEFA Cup draw.

Everton’s reward for beating Metalist Kharkiv in the qualifying rounds was being paired with crack Russia side Zenit St Petersburg, Larissa - the Greeks who shocked Blackburn Rovers - AZ Alkmaar and FC Nurnberg.

Given some of the tasks they could have faced, Moyes was relieved to finally receive a slice of fortune from a cup draw and was particularly pleased that Everton have avoided two potentially gruelling journeys.

Zenit St Petersburg and Larissa will come to Goodison Park with Everton’s itinerary being completed with two short hops to Holland and Germany, and Moyes believes that will be of huge help to his squad’s ambitions.

“I am quite pleased,” said Moyes. “It is a decent draw now that the games have come out as well.

“The travelling isn’t too far and it is great for the supporters because they will be able to get to the games quite easily.

“Travelling is an issue for the fans and the team as well. You want to limit the amount of travelling the players have to go through. It can be tiring.

“The support we had in Kharkiv was fantastic and for so many fans to go so far was great to see. That kind of support is very welcome.”

The dates that were originally pencilled in for the games on October 27 (Larissa home), November 8 (Nurnberg away), December 5 (Zenit home) and December 20 (Alkmaar away) will stay as they are, but that could mean a knock-on effect for the Carling Cup.

Provided Everton get past Luton Town, the date of a potential quarter-final will have to be re-arranged - at present it clashes with the Alkmaar game - and if they happen to be paired against a side in the Champions League, it would not take place until the New Year, as matchday six of that tournament takes place on December 11/ 12.

That, though, is a concern for the future and at present Alan Stubbs is savouring the prospect of progressing through to the UEFA Cup’s last 32 and he feels the draw has given them an outstanding chance.

“I think we can go a long way,” said Stubbs. “I think the way the draw has been made - the games we have got at home are probably the ones we wanted.

“We know we are a tough team to beat at Goodison Park.”