That atmosphere will be sampled for the first time by Landon Donovan tomorrow. The American, on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy, has plenty of international experience but Neville has already warned nothing can match the unique intensity of a Merseyside derby.

“The speed of the game will be quicker than they have ever played in, that is something I said to Landon Donovan this morning,” revealed Neville.

“I think he is aware of it as it is a game he used to watch on television in America, so he knows the kind of passion that is involved in this game.”

The Merseyside derby has gained notoriety in recent years with no fixture seeing as many red cards during the Premier League era.

In the last 14 top-flight meetings alone, there have been 10 red cards shown, two of which have been brandished to Neville, in 2005 and 2007.

And the skipper acknowledges the need for Everton to retain their composure during the heat of derby battle.

“I think it is a game for calm heads; it is a game for players who just want to get down and play and pass the ball and play without fear,” he says.

“There is an old saying in the game: you have to play the game and not the occasion. The occasion is going to be great; the occasion will look after its self that is something you have got to enjoy.

“The game is something you have got to concentrate on and just play your game, play the way we have been doing, show the confidence we have been doing and we will be okay.”