Moyes surprised at Rovers´ predicament

Everton boss David Moyes has admitted he is surprised by Blackburn’s lowly position ahead of their clash with the relegation-threatened side.

Moyes hailed Blackburn’s quality, and said he was surprised that Rovers found themselves languishing in 15th, two spots off the relegation zone.

“I think Blackburn have got good players,” the Scot said.

“I think Blackburn are a good team with good players and I’ve been surprised by a lot of teams at the bottom of the league this year.”

“There’s a lot of teams where I’m thinking ‘surely they’re not going to be at the bottom end?’ but maybe, I’ve said it many times, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by the Premier League this season – it’s certainly thrown up some strange results in games.”

Moyes also had praised his opposite number, Steve Kean, who was promoted to head coach after the dismissal of Sam Allardyce.

“I think we’ve all probably been brought up in a background, I think the SFA’s (Scottish Football Association) coaching courses have a big part to play in that.”

“Steve’s [Kean] got a good job at Blackburn. It’s his first real big chance. He’s worked really hard at the other clubs to get an opportunity and this is his chance now at Blackburn and I think Blackburn’s a good club.”

Moyes has welcomed star midfielder Tim Cahill’s decision to make himself unavailable for Australia in non-competitive matches.

“Tim definitely needs the break. He played in the World Cup and then he went to the Asian games and I don’t think that has helped him, in fact it has really hindered him in my eyes. ”

“Because of that I think he needs to start looking at himself to get into condition. I don’t think he’ll get involved in any of the friendlies this summer for Australia.”

Moyes said he doubted the Toffees could steal a spot in the Europa League given their typically slow start to the season.