Bruce in salute to Everton’s success

STEVE BRUCE has admitted that envy Birmingham have failed to live up to expectations this season as he saluted the achievements of his Everton counterpart David Moyes ahead of today’s Goodison Park clash.

Bruce believes Moyes should be a strong contender for the manager of the year award if the Toffees complete a remarkable turn-around in fortunes by securing Champions League football.

There was optimism that Blues could also challenge for a European spot in 2004-2005 after finishing 10th last season, before long-term injuries to the likes of Mikael Forssell, David Dunn, Muzzy Izzet and Stan Lazaridis dented those hopes.

Bruce feels such setbacks have “cost us eight to 10 points” which, if added onto their current tally of 38, would put them in strong contention with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Tottenham for a UEFA Cup berth.

He said: “David Moyes - and also Sam Allardyce at Bolton - have done unbelievably. What has happened at Everton just shows you how football can change very quickly.

“At the end of last season, Everton were beaten 5-1 at Manchester City and finished fourth from bottom in the Premiership.

“Then they sell their best player, Wayne Rooney, and now look as if they are going to finish fourth from top this year.

“They also lost Thomas Gravesen to Real Madrid in January but have kept on going. What an unbelievable turn-around. I would think David Moyes has to be a contender for manager of the year.

“I know when speaking to him last year it wasn’t easy when the Rooney situation was appearing but he has done a fantastic job.

“That seemed to hang over their club for weeks and weeks on end but they have done tremendously well and all credit to them and David,” said Bruce.

Meanwhile, play-maker Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool have no problem winning matches without their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard.

“No team can depend on only one player to help them win trophies and we are no different, even though Stevie is one of the best players in the world,” he insisted.

“Our performances in this season’s Champions League have proved we have a good all-round team and we have answered all those people who say we rely too much on one player.”

Gerrard is constantly linked with a summer move to Premiership leaders Chelsea.

However, the former Real Sociedad star believes the players have proved they can cope without him if he does choose to move away from Anfield.

“I feel that our performance against Juventus without Steven Gerrard proved once and for all that we are not a one-man team,” he added.