DAVID MOYES is acutely aware the next step could be the hardest one of all for Everton.

Despite working under severe financial restrictions compared to the clubs around them, the Goodison Park outfit have firmly established themselves as a top-six outfit.

Once again they have a European campaign to look forward to next term and, after a 14-year absence, they appeared in a major domestic final yesterday.

The FA Cup may ultimately have brought disappointment in a one-sided encounter with Chelsea at Wembley, yet that in itself is a measure of how far Everton have come under Moyes’ guidance.

Little wonder the Scot is one of the most admired managers in the game.

But Moyes also realises Everton are close to the glass ceiling that separates the big four from the rest. He did smash it once, three years ago, only to be quickly put firmly back in his place.

Now he is ready for another go. And it will not be easy.

“I said last year the next step was to get to a final,” reflected the Scot.

“We have done that and in the process knocked over Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

“We couldn’t knock over Chelsea but we deserved to be in the final.