Everton FC’s Phil Neville tips Mikel Arteta to succeed him as captain

Phil Neville and Mikel ArtetaPHIL NEVILLE believes Mikel Arteta has all the qualities needed to succeed him as Everton captain.The versatile 33-year-old has skippered the Blues since David Weir left Goodison to join Rangers in January 2007.Neville is fiercely proud of wearing the armband but when the time comes to step down he believes manager David Moyes has the ideal replacement in Arteta.The Spaniard recently ended speculation about his future by signing a new deal to keep him with the Blues until 2015. 'I see Mikel as a true leader for this team,' Neville said.'He's someone who will be a fantastic captain for this club.'He's that type of player and he's that influential in the team. People listen to him and respect him - he has that aura about him.'When he does something he leads by example and when he says something people listen. That's why it's so important we managed to keep hold of him.'Meanwhile, Neville has called on England boss Fabio Capello to promote Jack Rodwell to the full international squad alongside Blues team-mate Phil Jagielka for next month's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Source: Liverpool_Echo