NEV: NO EXCUSES

Phil Neville refuses to use tiredness as an explanation to recent form.

Phil Neville is refusing to use tiredness as an excuse for the recent blip in form.

The Blues slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday – only days after the 1-1 draw with Metalist Kharkiv in the Uefa Cup.

Captain Neville insists Everton need to get back on track very quickly and that starts with the Carling Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

“Ever since I came to Everton I wanted to play Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Thursday and, now we are in the situation, let’s get on with it, let’s enjoy it and let’s not be fearful of the challenge,” said Phil.

“People talk about tiredness – but tiredness is in the mind. Sometimes you can use it as an excuse.

“We had two days’ rest after Thursday’s game and on Sunday we were fresh. I don’t think fitness was a problem against Villa.”

And the utility player admits he needs to get back in form himself.

“Maybe we are just lacking a little bit of cutting edge at the moment and we need to start creating chances for our forwards,” he explained. 

“There are a few players in the team, myself included, who need to play better basically. Over the next few weeks, sooner rather than later, we need to do it.”