Coyle: Moyes among world's best

Coyle: Moyes among world's best

Published Feb. 12, 2011 1:16 p.m. ET

The Toffees have certainly not had one of their best seasons since David Moyes took over the hotseat nearly nine years ago and head into Sunday's Premier League clash three points worse off than Wanderers. Bolton boss Coyle, though, has nothing but praise for his fellow Scot, particularly given the financial constraints he has had to work within at Goodison Park. "David is a pal of mine, he has been from when we were players together, and he's an outstanding manager," said Coyle. "More than that, when you look at the job he's done and the heights he's taken Everton to with limited resources, for me he's capable of managing anybody in world football. "And if he did (move to a bigger club), I've got no doubt that major honours would come on the back of it. That's how highly I rate him as a manager." The visitors will at least go into the meeting on the back of a victory after last weekend's 5-3 win over Blackpool, although the four-goal star of that performance - Louis Saha - has been sidelined by injury. Coyle at last has a mostly-fit squad to choose from after being down to the bare bones in December and January but he will wait to assess the condition of his international contingent before deciding whether to make changes. Coyle was not happy about the timing of this week's matches, and said: "It is always difficult, particularly when it's a friendly international. "I can totally understand why the international managers want a friendly ahead of qualifiers but, as a club manager looking to do your best for your club, sometimes it's not ideal. It certainly wasn't this week but it happened and we have to get on with it." England's trip to Denmark did provide a proud moment for Coyle, though, as defender Gary Cahill collected his second cap, and the Bolton boss is certain there are many more to come. "He's a top, top player," said Coyle. "He's a top lad as well and he looked very accomplished again when he came on. There's no doubt in my mind that he'll be a permanent fixture in that England squad, and I would suggest even the England team, for many years to come." Coyle was also pleased to see a first start in an England shirt for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who spent four months on loan at the Reebok Stadium last season. The Scot added: "It's always nice when you see somebody you've had the pleasure of working with really taking their game on and improving week by week, but I always had the belief that Jack would do that. "It was a year to the day that he made his (full) Premier League debut that he started for England, which is fantastic. "The ability that he's got and the desire and the mental strength - he has so many attributes for such a lovely young man, and there's no doubt his career will go from strength to strength."

ADVERTISEMENT
share