Moyes hails his best ever team as Manuel Fernandes set to get involved

Jan 19 2008

Everton manager David Moyes believes his current crop of players are better than the squad which qualified for the Champions League three years ago.

And the fact they are in top form - they have won five of the last seven matches - has given the Toffees boss increased confidence his team can once again break into the top four.

“We have been playing well, have good players and have momentum,” said the Scot ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Barclays Premier League strugglers Wigan.

“I think we are in good shape; our form has been good for months now.

“We are in a better position (than when they finished fourth in 2005). I think we are a stronger squad.

“For the next three of four weeks we need to keep our heads down, keep grinding out points and get ourselves in a position for the run in to the end of the season.”

Only goal difference is keeping Everton out of the top four at the expense of near-neighbours Liverpool - the team they pipped for fourth place three years ago only for the Reds to earn entry into the Champions League via the back door when their stunning victory over AC Milan in Istanbul persuaded UEFA to change their rules.

However, the situation is so tight that Aston Villa and Manchester City are also on 39 points with eighth-placed Blackburn just one win behind.

Everton cannot afford any slip-ups, and Wigan will not be easy as Steve Bruce has tightened things up at the JJB Stadium since his arrival in late November.

In that time they have lost just once at home - to Villa - and have beaten Blackburn and Newcastle and drawn with Manchester City.

Moyes is aware of the threat and believes Bruce has done a good job since leaving fellow strugglers Birmingham.

“Wigan have picked up recently and I see it as being a difficult game,” said the Everton boss.

“He has come in and got them moving in the right direction and picking up a few good results.

“I don’t think I have been surprised - he has done a good job. I think he has galvanised them and got them settled.

“I’m sure he can keep them up - he is more than capable and experienced enough. He will realise it will not be easy because there is nothing easy in football - whether it is avoiding relegation or trying to get to the top.

“But he will be quite pleased with the way things have gone.”

Moyes is also wary of the players Bruce has at his disposal.

“They will give us a big challenge because of what they have got. Emile Heskey is a real threat up front and we know Marcus Bent from his time here,” he added.

“Emile is a big player in their team and they sorely missed him when he was out with a foot injury.

“We need to keep a close eye on him as he can be a real handful.”

Striker Andrew Johnson is set to return tomorrow having recovered from the knock he received in training which forced him to miss last week’s victory over Manchester City.

Midfielder Manuel Fernandes is available for the first time since signing a six-month loan deal but full-back Leighton Baines is a slight doubt after having a painkilling injection in his ankle.