Everton defender Phil Neville has claimed that the club are finally seeing the benefit of allowing Denis Stracqualursi time to settle at Goodison Park.

Stracqualursi, who joined the club on loan in the summer, only made his first start last month and has delighted Everton fans with his recent hard-working performances.

Neville said: "It would probably have been easy for the manager to discard him, but because of his attitude he's getting his rewards and it's a great lesson to anyone out there.

"He's a throwback to the good old days of a centre-forward going out there and just eating centre-halves, it reminds me of when I used to go and watch Bury."

Everton are currently tenth in the Premier League.