“I’ve not given up on it.

“I’m not in a position where I don’t believe I can go, I still think I’m good enough but it’s out of my hands and I’ve just got to keep performing for Everton.”

Despite their impressive form since the turn of the year, Neville and his Goodison team-mates still face an uphill struggle to get back in the Europa League next term.

He said: “The challenge now is to finish the season really strongly and not let the season peter out.

There are eight games to go now and the manager has still challenged us to finish in a European space.

“It looks a massive task but if we just keep playing the way we’re playing and keep the confidence high then it’s well within our reach.”

Neville was proud to mark the milestone of his 200th Everton appearance with a Premier League club record seventh successive home victory.

He said: “ My first motivation when I left Manchester United was that I didn’t want to be a failure.

“I was 28 and didn’t want my career to fizzle out. I found the right club at the right time and in particular I found the right manager at the right time.

“He’s not the type of manager to let his players have an easy ride and that’s the way I like it.”