PHIL NEVILLE believes David Moyes was the real hero of Everton’s famous FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United.

The Goodison outfit are now preparing for their first major final in 14 years after beating their North West rivals on penalties following a tense goalless draw.

Tim Howard saved twice during the shoot-out before Phil Jagielka converted the decisive spot-kick to send Everton back to Wembley and a showdown with Chelsea on May 30.

But skipper Neville reckons manager Moyes deserves to take credit for the victory after a stirring address to his squad in the build-up to Sunday’s match.

“I thought the manager won us the game,” said the 32-year-old. “On Tuesday he gave us one of the best team talks I have heard and that set us up for the week.

“He set us up to attack Manchester United, not be fearful but to be positive. He instilled belief.

“Beating Liverpool gave us the belief we can go on and beat any team. We need to show that again in the final.

“We have just got more confident with every round. We have got Chelsea now in the final and anything can happen. We have stepped up to the plate in every round and now we aim to do it in the final.”

Neville was among the Everton players to score during the shoot-out, which took place at the end where United’s supporters were based.

And having spent much of his career at Old Trafford, he admitted: “It was a difficult day for me, to score a penalty but know you cannot celebrate in the face of those who have helped you so much in your career. This was like a Cup final for the fans but now we are coming back again in four weeks time.

“Hopefully then we will play better than in this semi-final, but the experience of it will help us. Before the game I would have said the semi-final should not have been at Wembley. I was really against it and thought it should have been played in Manches-ter or Villa Park.

“Ask me now and I would say I was glad it was here because it is a fantastic feeling to win at Wembley.”

Neville believes Everton are now beginning to realise the trophy-winning potential that persuaded him to move to Goodison in the summer of 2005.

“I came to Everton because the manager promised me we would be challenging for honours,” he said. “I did not want to end my career closing the trophy cabinet doors. I didn’t come here to wind down or step back in any way. I spoke with the manager and listened to his plans and I was impressed. It has taken some time but I think we are getting closer to delivering on that promise.

“Winning a trophy is better than a good league placing. What do you get for finishing fifth or sixth in the league, for losing a Carling Cup semi-final to Chelsea or going out valiantly to Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup? As players, nothing.”

Neville added: “We need a trophy and that is our next big hurdle. It is about time this team started winning trophies again and hopefully if we can win this it will put us back in the big time.

“Winning silverware can give you confidence and help to attract better players. For so long we have been fighting against the elements – a small squad and lack of money but we have stuck together.

“I am very proud of what is going on here. I was used to winning things at United but they say that your next success is the best and I believe that.

“But I am experienced enough to know that we have won nothing yet. The semi was a truly great occasion for us and our fans, but it was only a semi. We have to do this again to get our hands on a trophy.”