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Neville: Toffees will bounce back

SoccerNews in English Premier League 24 Oct 2009

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Everton’s injured captain Phil Neville insists the Toffees will bounce back from their Europa League humiliation in Lisbon.

Everton face a quick turnaround and a tough Barclays Premier League clash at Bolton tomorrow, still struggling with nine players doubtful because of injury.

Neville will not be back from his knee problem until Christmas but still travelled to Portugal on Thursday for what became a disastrous 5-0 defeat by Benfica.

But Neville said: “When the chips are down and our backs are to the wall and people are writing us off, that is when this club gels together – and we will do that, I am sure of it.

“Everyone is disappointed after Lisbon, but we have to win on Sunday now to put that result behind us.

“They had world-class players, but I’m sure when we get them back to Goodison and we get everybody fit – because we had a really inexperienced side out – it will be a different game.”

Everton suffered their worst European defeat but are already planning their revenge in the return fixture.

“You will see a different Everton side next time,” Neville predicted.

“I am convinced we can beat them.

“The scoreline tells you we made five mistakes. We can’t make those mistakes against top European sides if we want to progress and win this competition – which we do.”

Everton were missing 11 players in Lisbon. But two – John Heitinga and Lucas Neill, who were ineligible for the match – will both play at the Reebok .

Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will have a scan on a groin strain but may be fit to face Bolton.

But Leighton Baines, Joseph Yobo, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar, Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Neville, Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan are all likely to still be unavailable.

Boss David Moyes said: “The players gave everything on the night.

“We were up against a very good team, and I would like to face them when we have a full side out. That will happen in a couple of weeks when Benfica come to us.

“We had a lot of youngsters, and they will learn from facing top players. But I cannot fault the effort.

“I do not really know yet who may be back from injury, that is up to the medical department. I will just have to wait and try to find 11 players to face Bolton.”

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