Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Moyes backs Toffees pair

21 Feb 2007 - 12:30:37

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Everton boss David Moyes has backed Toffees duo Manuel Fernandes and James Beattie to play a big part in the club's bid to secure a UEFA Cup spot for next season.

Midfielder Fernandes moved to Merseyside on loan from Benfica in the January transfer window, having spent the first half of the season with Portsmouth, and made his Blues debut in the 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

Moyes told the Daily Post: "Manuel is looking much fitter.

"He has trained well and is much sharper on the training ground than he was. We've been pleased with him.

"The first couple of weeks, he looked like a player who had missed a few games and you could see that in training.

"But he has come on again in the last ten days or so and we hope that he will be able to build on that. He's got drive and determination and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do."

Meanwhile, Moyes also backed striker Beattie to come good, after a season in which he has failed to find the net in the last four months.

"He does need some goals," Moyes admitted. "This season has been a little bit stop-start for him.

"But James played 35 minutes against Blackburn, so there's no doubt he's fit and ready and I'm more than happy with how he is around the place. He is looking to get up and running."