Coyle looks to halt mate Moyes’ march (From This Is Lancashire)

Coyle looks to halt mate Moyes’ march

1:40pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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OWEN Coyle has backed his mate David Moyes to succeed in his late dash for Europe.

Everton have recovered from a disastrous start to inch their way up the table, the run coinciding with the return from injury of big names such as Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Yakubu.

And while Wanderers boss Coyle hopes his side can check the Blues’ charge, he reckons fellow Scot Moyes will guide the Mersey men to another European campaign.

“Hopefully they make their dash for Europe after Saturday but I have got no doubts they are a quality side, and that they’ll get there,” he said.

“Moyesy is a friend of mine and someone who I hold in very high regard. He has assembled a terrific group of players there but was blighted by terrible injuries in the early part of the season.

“He has started to get those back now, and Mikel Arteta would be a quality player for any team around. We’re always very respectful of any side but my focus is on the quality I have, and getting the very best out of my players.

“If we get to our best on Saturday then we can go to Goodison and get points, no doubt about it.”

Everton have been nothing short of sensational at home in recent weeks, winning their last five games.

But Coyle is convinced the Whites can end that run, if they can show some of the mettle that has seen them win three of their last four.

“We have to make sure we are at our best because Everton are probably the form team in the division at the moment,” he said.

“They have already turned over Manchester United and Chelsea at Goodison. I have been there regularly this year and know how tough a venue it is.

“But it’s a place we can go and look to play on the front foot. We’d love a clean sheet but we know we’ll have to work hard.”