Former Everton manager Howard Kendall insists successor David Moyes is not under pressure at Goodison Park.

Everton slipped to 16th place in the Barclays Premier League yesterday and head into the Merseyside derby against Liverpool today just three points above Bolton, who are in the relegation zone.

But Kendall, who secured two league titles for the club during his first spell in charge, told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: "I don’t think there is any pressure on David. "People are aware of the problems he has got with the injury situation and I think they will be patient with him. He’s a very good manager."

Established top-flight performers like Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta have been sidelined this season, which has restricted the team’s progress.

"At the moment they will be looking at halfway and they will be quite happy with that," Kendall added.

"But they are still involved in Europe, and you never know, they might put a run together."

Meanwhile, Kendall backed a groundshare between the city’s two clubs in the aftermath of Everton’s £400million Kirkby plan being rejected this week, despite the animosity towards the idea from a large percentage of supporters.

"Financially it could be the solution for both clubs," Kendall said.

"I was a firm believer in the Albert Dock originally: to build a stadium there, right in the centre of town. I am not too disappointed it’s not Kirkby but something needs to be done."