Moyes keen to restore Everton’s battered pride

Thursday, November 05, 2009

DAVID MOYES is determined that Everton will restore their battered reputation in Europe tonight.

Benfica arrive at Goodison Park after inflicting a damaging 5-0 defeat on his side in Lisbon.

That was Everton’s heaviest loss in continental competition and the scars are still healing.

However they remain among the favourites to progress from Group I in the Europa League and their unbeaten home run at this level stretches to an impressive nine games.

Moyes said: "We do not use the word revenge but pride is at stake. We are hurting from the Benfica game and the result.

"Hopefully we can do something about it. We want to progress in the group, that is the important thing.

"It is great we are talking about expectations in Europe because that has not been the case for a long time.

"We are going to have a go and get a result. A point would not be a bad thing the way the group is going.

"The key is to qualify, that’s our aim. But we have to play much better than we did in Lisbon."

Even though Benfica are without a victory in seven European matches on the road, Moyes is not underestimating his opponents.

He said: "I think they will play the same way as they did at home. There are a really good side.

"They may well topple Porto, who have dominated for years, and win the league.

"We do know the dangers Benfica pose but it is not easy to stop them. However I hope we can cause them some problems on our own ground."

Moyes will be again down on numbers as John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are sidelined as they are both ineligible.

Louis Saha (calf), Tony Hibbert (flu) are doubtful through injury and illness but Steven Pienaar could be on the bench after a knee problem.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, November 05, 2009