MAROUANE FELLAINI has been urged to prove himself among the top midfielders in the Premier League this evening – as Everton FC sweat on their move for Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic.

Fellaini ended an indifferent run of form with a goalscoring contribution during Friday’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth round home win over Fulham.

The Belgian, who signed a new long-term deal with Everton in the autumn, will enter battle tonight with the leading club in the top-flight when Manchester City visit Goodison.

And, having given Fellaini high praise earlier this month, Moyes believes it is the ideal stage for the 24-year-old to underline his talents.

“I thought Fulham was his best game he has had for a month or so,” said the Everton manager. “He played well against Fulham, he made an impact and he played a bit freer which gave him the chance to get in there and get his goal.

“Felli is a big player and has a big future. He is a modern midfield player, he can do a bit of everything. He is crucial in both boxes with his size, and has a lot going for him.”

Moyes added: “You could say there’s a little bit of (City midfielder) Yaya Toure about him because of their sizes, but they are slightly different in bits of how they play. For Belgium, Felli plays higher up nearer to the striker, and don’t forget in the first season here he got 10 goals which for a newcomer is fantastic.

“We have dropped him deeper, maybe out of necessity but we are still wondering if that’s where he is best.

“When Jack Rodwell is back fit, we will have a better idea of what we can do. I don’t think we have had a defensive midfielder since Lee Carsley left.

“We’ve put John Heitinga and Phil Neville in there at times, but Felli, Jack and Darron Gibson have got more to offer than just that role.”

Rodwell and Sylvain Distin remain sidelined tonight, although both resumed training yesterday.