Everton captain Phil Neville insists the club's packed fixture schedule will not be a problem for the squad as playing games are easier than manager David Moyes' training sessions.
A 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland in their FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend means the Toffees now face four matches in 10 days, starting at home to Arsenal on Wednesday.
By the end of March they will have played 10 games in the month but Neville said it was not an issue.
"It is great. The players absolutely love it. You ask any player, they would rather play than train," said the Everton captain. "It is common knowledge the manager trains us hard - the games are actually easier.
"We are really looking forward to the next two weeks. I thought before the game on Saturday, 'This is why I am in football - to play in games like this'.
"The atmosphere was incredible, the atmosphere on Wednesday night against Arsenal will be good. Then we go down to Swansea, then we have the replay, then West Brom. It is really mouth-watering. To say I am excited is an under-statement."
Neville also praised the work-ethic of midfielder Tim Cahill, who is enduring his worst run at the club in terms of goalscoring. The Australia international was on target against the Black Cats for only his second for Everton since December 2010.
"Maybe he has been disappointed with his goals tally this season but he is not one to shirk responsibility and I think the fans appreciate that," added Neville.
"That is why he is a legend at the club. For me he was the best player on the field and we will need that effort and determination in the replay.
"It was great to see him; he was like a man possessed at times. Even when balls were falling on other players' heads he really wanted to win. That is what he is all about. There is no hiding place when you are out there on the pitch."
Kick-off for Everton's FA Cup quarter-final replay at the Stadium of Light on March 27 has been put back 15 minutes to 8pm to accommodate live television.
The club have also announced award-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has accepted an ambassadorial role for their official charity Everton in the Community.
0 comments:
Post a Comment