Everton

David Moyes praises Phil Neville

By Liam Power, Reporter | 26 December 2012

Everton manager David Moyes praises the work ethic and desire of Toffees captain Phil Neville ahead of his 500th Premier League appearance.

Everton manager David Moyes has praised Phil Neville's desire to prolong his career as he prepares to make his 500th Premier League appearance.

Neville's season has been blighted by a knee injury, but the Toffees captain made his return from a spell on the sidelines last weekend against West Ham United.

Moyes believes that Neville deserves credit for his dedication and work ethic to return from injury quicker than expected.

He told reporters: "People would be amazed by the amount of work and conditioning Phil has put in to get himself right.

"He continually works hard. He is in every morning at 8.30am, he doesn't leave until late. The rehabilitation work he puts himself through, never at any stage does he complain.

"He just continually pushed himself to try and get back. The biggest impact that it should have on everyone is the manner of what he has done. They might not say it but I think they would all have to have admiration for how he continually prepares himself and the way he goes about playing."

The 35-year-old will become the seventh player to reach the 500-game milestone if he plays for Everton against Wigan Athletic this afternoon.