David Moyes believes injustice of derby match will help in UEFA Cup

Oct 24 2007

David Moyes believes Everton can get a boost from their miserable derby experience as they turn their attention to Europe.

The Scottish boss remains furious at referee Mark Clattenburg’s performance in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.

Clattenburg sent off Everton pair Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville in a controversial encounter at Goodison Park.

In addition Everton felt they should have been awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Joleon Lescott was grounded.

Moyes, though, insists his side will have the correct mind set when they entertain Larissa of Greece in the UEFA Cup group stage tomorrow.

He said: “It will make us stronger as we had to play 12 against nine at one point at the weekend.

“We have to move on and the players will benefit from the experience and become tougher mentally.”

Moyes loves European nights especially as he wore the colours of Celtic as a player.

Everton advanced to the group stage after defeating Metalist Kharkiv of Ukraine in a difficult first round tie.

Moyes said: “I am really looking forward to the game. I was fortunate to play against Ajax and Juventus in the European Cup so the thrill is fantastic.

“Until you have been there and been in it, you do not realise what you are missing.

“As a manager it is completely different to when I was a player. The fact I am still talking about events 20 years ago shows just how much it meant to me.

“But of course I am excited about the UEFA Cup. I said to my staff before the Kharkiv game how good it was to there and how much we wanted it.

“Sometimes the atmosphere at the UEFA Cup is not the best.

“But we are well supported. Hopefully we will get a good crowd tomorrow as we want to bring back those glory days to Everton.”

It is Everton’s first match in the five-team group and Moyes expects a tough test against a Larissa side that overcame Blackburn.

They also face Nurnberg, AZ Alkmaar and Zenit St Petersburg.

Moyes said: “To put them out was no mean feat. I think most people thought it was a surprise result.

“But Larissa are well organised and have one or two international players.

“It is a strange format with two games at home and two away.

“But we are determined to make a good start. It is important we win our matches at Goodison.”

Everton have lost four or their last five league games and Moyes could recall Tim Cahill to the squad in a bid to turn things around.

The Australian midfielder is back in training after suffering a broken metatarsal in the friendly against Werder Bremen in July.

Moyes said: “We have missed some of our midfield players but Tim and Tommy Gravesen are close to coming back.

“That will give me more options and I could make one or two changes for the game.”