Neville 'I Joined Everton To Play In Champions League'

Last updated : 04 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

They are still in the League Cup, with an easy visit to Luton Town to look forward to, and at this moment ... still in Europe at this moment in time.

But defeat would hit them hard, and Everton captain Phil Neville knows it.

In his first season at the club in 2005, the former Manchester United defender was left shattered as they were knocked out of the Champions League and then they crashed out of the UEFA Cup early doors last season.

Villareal of Spain and Dinamo Bucharest of Romania left the blue half of Merseyside with nothing but bad memories.

Neville knows Metalist Kharkiv could change the whole season.

Neville: "The reason I joined Everton was they were playing in the Champions League. Although it was exciting, the campaign ended quickly.

"The aim last year was to get back to this level and return to Europe. There is something extra special about these nights.

"Our aim is to get a victory and progress to the group stages.

"It would mean a lot to the fans. We took 6,000 supporters to Villareal and that was tremendous backing.

"It is simple. We need to win the game. We must make sure we utilise our experience.

"We have to realise a match is over 90 minutes, not 10, and play well.

"This is what we worked so hard for last season and victory here could help us gain momentum in other competitions."

Manager David Moyes rejected claims his side had underestimated Metalist in the first leg.

Moyes: "We came over here to see them and did our work thoroughly.

"They are a good side. You saw that by the way Metalist played in Liverpool."