Paralympic Blues Backed By Skipper

Neville in support of Everton disability players at London 2012.

Phil Neville has sent a good luck message to the Paralympics GB Blind and Cerebral Palsy squads ahead of the London 2012 football tournaments starting today.

The Blind squad kick off their Paralympic campaign against Spain at the Riverbank Arena site on Friday afternoon and Neville had some special words for three players with Everton connections.

"On behalf of everyone at Goodison Park, I want to wish George Fletcher, Michael Barker and Roy Turnham the very best of luck at the Paralympics.

"I was lucky enough to make the England squad at three European Championships so I hope both teams make the most of this opportunity and cherish the experience for the rest of their lives."

Barker was on the books at Goodison Park as a youth player and was in the same age category as Wayne Rooney while Fletcher plays for Everton Disability as did Blind Squad member, Roy Turnham.

Speaking on behalf of both squads, The FA's Jeff Davis commented: "It's fantastic for someone like Phil Neville to recognise Paralympics football and I hope his words will inspire both our teams to victory over the next few days at London 2012."

Both Barker and Fletcher will be in action for the Paralympics GB Cerebral Palsy squad on Saturday against Brazil while Turnham will hope he can play a part in the Blind Squad's opener against Spain later today.