Neville aims to keep going

Phil Neville: Everton captain says that age is no barrier

Phil Neville is convinced he has at least three more years of top level football left in him.

The former England international and Manchester United stalwart will turn 36 during the forthcoming season, but he thinks that "age is just a number."

Everton's skipper has been at Goodison Park for nearly seven years, but he is fully aware that he is not guaranteed a place in the side with younger players snapping at his heels.

"I worked quite hard over the summer. I went on holiday but I trained at a facility for a couple for weeks - that is par for the course now," he said.

"Particularly when you are getting older you have to stay ahead of the game.

"At the clinics I went to over the summer to do my training I learned that age is just a number.

"I want to play football for as long as I possibly can: two, three more years hopefully at the top level."

Neville, who has a year left on his contract, found himself out of the Toffees' side at times last season, but a consistent run in the team coincided with a good end to the campaign, which saw Everton finish seventh.

Positive

"The way that science is improving now players can play for as long as they possibly can," he added.

"I think it is your mind which goes before your body and once your mind goes you can't make that back up.

"I'm quite a positive person. People say only look for this season but I am thinking 'Let's look for another three years'.

"But I have to remain fit, strong and keep playing well to keep my position in the team."