Former Everton midfielder Barry Horne has praised David Moyes's decision to nominate Phil Jagielka as the next club captain.

Current skipper Phil Neville will leave the Blues at the end of the season with the former Sheffield United defender appointed as his replacement by Moyes, which led to Horne stating that Jagielka's leadership qualities make him a perfect candidate to wear the armband at Goodison Park.

"Phil Jageilka was the standout choice [for the captaincy], it is no surprise that his promotion from vice-captain was confirmed yesterday," Horne wrote in his column in the Liverpool Echo.

"Jagielka has every attribute you would want in a captain. He is consistent, he is a high quality central defender and at 30, having committed the next four years to Everton he has has plenty ahead of him at Goodison Park.

"I am certain that Jags can be as influential a skipper for the club as Neville was. He has the character to lead the club on the field."

Jagielka signed for the Blues from the Blades in the summer of 2007.

Written by
Paul Gorst