Captain Neville Enjoying Busy Fixture List

Everton captain Phil Neville has stated that he is relishing his side’s busy fixture list of late, which he feels are easier than training.

The Merseysiders face four games in the next ten days, as the business end of the season throws up fixture congestion; Neville has admitted that this does not concern him or his players.

“It is great. The players absolutely love it. You ask any player, they would rather play than train,” he told Sky Sports.

“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,” he confessed.

Tim Cahill scored the Everton goal at the weekend in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, and Neville has praised the Australia international for persisting despite not scoring regularly this season.

“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.

“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,” he concluded.