Neville admitted that the 3-1 scoreline against Carlisle flattered his side but having led Everton to their first FA Cup final in 14 years last season and revealing that winning a trophy in 2010 is his New Year’s resolution, he expected nothing less than a stern examination from Greg Abbott’s side.

He said: “A draw would have been fair for Carlisle. They were outstanding.

“People talk of the beauty of the FA Cup and today was that. We took the lead against the run of play when they were in control, but then gave a sloppy equaliser away.

“We controlled a 20 minute spell, but then they were the better team in the second half and it was only when we got the second goal that we showed a bit of Premier League class again.

“People can say the performance was not good enough, but last year when we got to Wembley, our toughest game was probably Macclesfield away in the third round.

“In the FA Cup you just have to win, and luckily our ball is in the hat for the next round.”

For the second time in a week, a brace of goals in the last 10 minutes secured a win for Everton and Neville was delighted with the contribution of young Irishman Seamus Coleman who came off the bench to help set up Cahill’s goal.

He said: “Coleman and Kieran Agard really changed the game with their brightness and sharpness. Every time Seamus comes on he plays without fear.

“He makes runs that experienced players don’t and makes decisions experienced ones don’t, but sometimes when you’re young, they end up coming off for you. He’s showing great potential.”