Moyes backs Arteta to star for Spain

Everton manager David Moyes believes that midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta will be able to force his way into the Spain national squad – but not in time for this summer’s World Cup. Arteta scored a magnificent 20-yard free-kick to lay the foundations for a 2-0 win over Bolton that was Everton’ seventh consecutive home victory, their best run in 20 years.

It was Arteta’s third goal in six starts since returning, earlier this year, from 12 months on the sidelines following surgery for a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Although Moyes believes this summer’s World Cup finals will come too soon for his player’s international aspirations, he insists he has a future at that level.

“That was a terrific free-kick,” said Moyes. “I said I didn’t want Mikel to do things too soon when he came back but he’s growing in confidence and improving all the time.

“He’s feeling more like his old self. It is too late for him to force his way into the Spain squad this year but Mikel’s got to hope that his form in the Premier League keeps on like this.

“I am sure Spain will be looking after the World Cup and seeing what is coming through. Maybe, he can hope that he will make the European Championship squad.”

Arteta has been one of a number of high-profile injuries that have seriously affected Everton this season and Moyes can only reflect upon how well his club might be placed had he been able to call upon his full squad throughout the campaign.

“Of course I wish it was three months ago, with the players we have coming back,” added Moyes.

“And remember we are now without (Marouane) Fellaini who was arguably our best player before he got injured.

“With the team we have, we could be a match for anyone in the division, we have shown that in some games. But you have to be consistent and injuries have played their part.

“Even with two or three half-results, a point here or there, it would make the top of the table a different situation. But we were missing key players and a little bit too far behind early in the season. We have just had to get on with it and try not to talk about it too much.”

Opposite number Owen Coyle is still left needing a handful of points for Bolton to be absolutely certain of Premier League survival and the Scotsman was unimpressed by referee Alan Wiley on three counts.

First, he believed Aiyegbeni Yakubu was offside before receiving a pass which ended with Gretar Steinsson fouling him and receiving a red card.

Coyle also claimed that Arteta was allowed to move the ball four yards forward before scoring the opening goal and felt Everton’s Tim Cahill might have been sent off in the second half.

Coyle said: “My initial impression was that Yakubu was offside but, if there was contact, it was minimal.

“Mr Wiley, in his wisdom, decided it was a red card, which sometimes happens, but my issue then is that he allows Mikel Arteta, who is a world-class player, to move the ball four yards closer to our goal. I would suggest with the quality he’s got, he’s far more dangerous from four yards closer to our goal.”

Cahill, booked in the first half, might have been dismissed, either for deliberate handball or a studs-up challenge on Lee Chung-Yong.

Coyle added: “The decision went against us. I’m the last person who wants players red carded and off the pitch but I’ve had players booked and sent off for similar offences.”

Everton’s second goal came in the final minute of the match, Steven Pienaar slotting home from 15 yards.