Everton boss backs Houllier

The Scotsman has helped heap further pressure onto Houllier by guiding the Blues to fifth place in the Premiership - five points and two places above the Reds. Despite the nature of local rivalries, though, Moyes found time to defend Houllier in his time of need.

Moyes told the club's official website: "When I came to Everton, if I wasn't successful last year and the early part of this season, then people would have been saying maybe David Moyes is too young and inexperienced for the job.

"You're always put to the sword. You only need to look at Gerard Houllier. He has been really successful, won trophies at Liverpool, and yet has to put up with people talking complete nonsense about him.

"It's ridiculous. Not everyone can be successful every year."