Everton boss Moyes backs troubled Lescott to emulate United star Rio

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manager David Moyes has sprang to the defence of Joleon Lescott and backed him to emulate the way Rio Ferdinand overcame early doubts about his concentration to become an automatic choice for England as well as Manchester United.

Lescott, 26, was at a low ebb after being caught out for Standard Liege’s opener in Thursday’s 2-2 UEFA Cup draw and his mood would hardly have been improved by an admission from Steven Defour that they had picked him out as a potential weakness.

‘We thought Lescott was good in central defence but not at left back,’ said the Liege skipper.

Toffee's defender Joleon Lescott has endured a less than convincing start to the season - but boss David Moyes has backed him to recover from his slump

‘When we saw he was playing there, we knew we could hurt him with pace, and that is what happened.

'Wilfried Dalmat was too quick for him for the first goal and we carved out many more chances by attacking down that flank.’

But Moyes said: ‘I remember people questioning Ferdinand to begin with.

'Just look at the player he has become, and I have no doubt Joleon can do the same here.’