PHIL NEVILLE has urged manager David Moyes to do his utmost in retaining the services of loan star Landon Donovan next year.

The American has emerged as a pivotal figure in Everton’s recent revival and with his stay at the club up next month, captain Neville says his manager should do all he can to get him back.

Moyes has already conceded defeat in trying to sign the US international on a permanent deal with Donovan having just signed a new contract at parent club LA Galaxy. But Neville believes the impact Donovan has made on the Goodison outfit and the ease with which he has integrated in to the Everton squad means it makes perfect sense for Moyes to try and bring the player back to Merseyside when the January 2011 transfer window opens.

Skipper Neville hailed the display of Donovan in Wednesday night’s 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Chelsea saying it was it was his most significant appearance in the Royal Blue shirt.

Neville said: “Landon played really well and I think it was probably his biggest game for the club, he was up against Ashley Cole who we know likes to bomb forward, even though he is a left back, but Landon totally made him go the other way and totally caused him problems. He won the penalty and set up the first goal and in terms of players we have got, Landon offers us something which we haven’t got and that is pace. He has fit in superbly and we are just a little bit sad he has to leave in a month’s time.

“It is what it is, Landon is here for two months and we have just got to accept that and let’s just hope we can get him back for another two months next year.

“He loves living in LA and loves playing in the MLS but we have just got to accept he will not be staying but he has been fantastic for us and let’s hope that continues.

“He has come in at a time when we needed a bit of a spark and he has provided that and he has fitted in superbly.”

Donovan will be eligible to face Sporting Lisbon tomorrow in Everton’s round of 32 tie at Goodison. And Neville says creating the same blazing atmosphere witnessed in the victory over Chelsea is imperative if the side are to make a good start in the first leg.