EVERTON’S fifth-place finish was overshadowed by injury scares to Steven Pienaar and captain Phil Neville ahead of next week’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Two goals, one in each half from Leon Osman, earned Everton all three points against a lack-lustre Fulham side at Craven Cottage.

But their success was marred by worrying hamstring injuries to both players with the cup final just six days away. Both had to be substituted during the second half but Moyes is hoping they can recover in time to face Chelsea.

“Phil has got a problem with his hamstring, as has Steven, so we need to see how they are,” said Moyes.

“I don’t think they are struggling. Phil’s was a little bit worse than Steven’s injury so I’m just going to have to see how he is as the week progresses.”

Injuries aside, Moyes was delighted with the performance and the fifth-place finish.

“I’ve got to congratulate the players for that,” added Moyes. “But in a strange way we expect if from them. I think they are good enough to be there.

“We should not be surprised when it happens. We have kept rolling on. I’ve got to give great credit to the players. They have knuckled down and got on with the job, despite the injuries we’ve had.

“We have to work with what we’ve got and I will continue to do that and expect the players to finish fifth or sixth.

“I think it was a good result considering we have not won at Fulham since 1966.”

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was given a standing ovation before the game and even though they suffered a rare home defeat, he was delighted to be in Europe.

A year ago, Hodgson guided Fulham to safety against all the odds but now, thanks to Tottenham’s defeat at Liverpool, the club can look forward to a place in the new Europa League next season.