Group Development Pleases Nev

Captain says squad unit have grown up and progressed together.

Phil Neville believes the development of some of Everton's more experienced players has been key to the side's fine form this term.

While the likes of Nikica Jelavic and Darron Gibson, have been among those picking up individual plaudits for displays and results since joining the Blues earlier this year, skipper Neville feels he is part of a group of players that have grown and matured under David Moyes.

"We've got a fantastic manager who's brought in players and then they have progressed over the years," he said.

"We had a young team probably five or six years ago with inexperienced players but these players have grown up together now.

"There's eight or nine of us that have been together for five or six years and to see the likes of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Tim Howard, Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert progress and improve every season is fantastic.

"Their performances are getting better and better and now they're getting the recognition they've deserved.

"We probably don't give ourselves enough credit. I think we've got some fantastic players.
 
"They're almost all international players now and I think the stability of the Club comes from the fact that the manager has been here for so long, that we never make mass changes and as I think everyone knows and as everyone finds out when they come to Goodison Park, the spirit of this place is fantastic."