Neville tips AJ to shine
Phil Neville believes England can reap the rewards of Everton's positive start to the Barclays Premiership season.
Neville and Goodison team-mate Andrew Johnson are in Steve McClaren's squad for Saturday's European Championship qualifying match against Andorra at Old Trafford. And Neville believes the duo can make an impact on Saturday, if they are given their chance.
He explained at a press conference televised by Sky Sports News: "Everton have had a great start to the season and it helps you get international honours when your team are doing well. Andy has probably been our best player this season - he's settled in really well and it's taken me by surprsie how well he's done."
He added: "He's razor-sharp and has pace in abundance. If he's picked, there will be no more in-form striker in the squad than Andy Johnson."
Neville is impressed with the new regime under McClaren, continuing: "I think it's started really well - there's an air of optimism around the place.
"You've got to keep a little bit of a low profile and see how it goes - but we've started well.
"The Greece result was great and the build-up to that game was fantastic too. We met on Tuesday night and had a night out and a good training session on Wednesday.
"A lot have worked with Steve McClaren for a number of years but I had good time with him at Manchester United - and Terry Venables gave me my England debut. It's ironic that the people who had a big influence on me are now running the England team.
"Steve has seen a lot of me over years so I knew he knew what I could offer to this team. At this level when a new manager comes in you never know - but luckily for me he's added me to squad."
