David Moyes has refused to accept that Everton have lost the battle for fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League to Liverpool as he revealed more “quality” players will be brought in for next season’s campaign. Everton have been hit by injuries to Andrew Johnson, Tim Cahill and James Vaughan over recent weeks, and the lack of resources has contributed to their current record of one point from three games.Their dip in form has allowed Liverpool to take a five-point lead over Everton in the battle for fourth, and a superior goal difference that is virtually worth another point to the Anfield men.
That has left Moyes looking to the future for Everton, who should at the least be able to hang onto fifth spot and a UEFA Cup spot.
“I would say that maybe we don’t need more players, just more players with quality, We sold James McFadden and then picked up some serious injuries to Cahill and Vaughan. That takes it’s toll.”
“But I am happy with the numbers here, just that one or two have not worked or offered enough to the squad, that has effected things. We have always been looking to add to the numbers, but mainly to the quality.”
“We are not out of the race for fourth, but it is much more difficult now. But we are still there and will keep trying to make it. We have six (games) left and four of those at home. We must make sure we win the home games and that will give us a very decent end to the season. We have a good opportunity to certainly get fifth, for sure.”
With the latest broken foot ruling Tim Cahill out for the season, there now is a clear chance for on-loan Manuel Fernandes to prove he is worthy of a permanent move. With Thomas Gravesen unlikely to be offered an extension to his loan deal, Moyes is looking at potential strengthening to his midfield and undoubtedly wants a greater input from Fernandes.
Moyes said: “We would like to have still been in the UEFA Cup ourselves this week, but Zenit are still there even though we have beaten them.
“I always felt that they were one of the strongest teams in the competition, and I would be very surprised if they didn’t reach the final now.”
Moyes expects to have Andrew Johnson back from a groin injury while Victor Anichebe has recovered from illness to be in the squad against Derby. He continued: “The players have been away and we would normally like to do something like this during the season. We have been in the UEFA Cup and we would have preferred to still be in it this week, rather than in Spain.
“So with six games left in the Premier League we took the chance of a break so that everyone is ready for the final push. The weather was good and we got some excellent work in. Now we are ready for the challenge.”
