Phil Neville is looking for Everton to prove that they have the strength of character to respond positively to their FA Cup semi-final heartache.
Toffees skipper hoping to avoid cup hangover
Phil Neville is looking for Everton to prove that they have the strength of character to respond positively to their FA Cup semi-final heartache.
The Toffees suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat to Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with the Reds hitting back late on to turn the tie on its head.
Everton, who led for much of the game courtesy of Nikica Jelavic's opener, must now look to put their cup disappointment behind them and turn their focus back to the pursuit of Premier League points.
Neville said: "We've somehow got to bounce back from this.
"Back in October, when everyone thought the club was on its knees, we've bounced back from that disappointment.
"We're in seventh position now and the sign of a good team, a great team, is when they bounce back with victories.
"This is when we need to show our mettle and we're going to do that next week at Old Trafford."
Consolation
One target for Everton to aim at this season is finishing above Liverpool in the league, with the Toffees' recent form having edged them one point clear of their arch-rivals.
Neville said: "It won't make up for it because, at the end of the day, we want to win silverware.
"But seventh position might qualify us for Europe - you just never know. That would be a little bit of consolation for this season.
"We need to carry on into next season, and start the season well. Because we do leave ourselves a mountain to climb sometimes.
"We're proud of the way we're playing in the second half of the season. Sometimes, you've just got to take your punishment and that's what we've got to do."
He added: "We're all devastated, really.
"This is a special place to play football. You can tell by the reaction of the fans, it's a special day out. But it's only a special day out if you win."
