Moyes needs to buy into Europe

They are used to end-of-season cliffhangers at Goodison Park, even if most have entailed survival prospects in recent times, and there was no mistaking the sense of relief at the three second-half goals that — barring freak results — secured a return to Europe after a jittery start against Portsmouth.

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But while the fretting may be over, the vetting goes on for Moyes.

The Everton manager knows from bitter experience that qualifying only counts as a job half done for any club with designs on becoming a force in Europe.

Two years ago, Everton fell agonisingly short against Villarreal in the Champions League qualifying round and were torn apart by Rapid Bucharest after their subsequent demotion to the UEFA Cup.

Moyes is determined to guard against a repeat by identifying suitable reinforcements in a summer recruitment drive which, according to veteran defender Alan Stubbs, could prove to be the most critical phase of his five-year reign.

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton and Preston striker David Nugent continue to figure prominently on a long list of targets being scrutinised by Moyes.

Stubbs believes changes will have to be made if Everton's next European venture is to be more than just another brief flirtation.

He said: "This is going to be a big summer for the club, one that decides how far we can go in the UEFA Cup. The players already here have created a platform for us to build on, but some will be leaving and there is going to be some rebuilding. We are going in the right direction, but we have to keep heading that way.

"There has to be investment in a few players to build up the squad. Quite simply, it would be impossible to accommodate a European campaign with the squad we've got at the moment.

"It isn't the biggest and it is all down to how much can be spent. It is hard to say one summer will determine whether we qualify on a regular basis but these next few months are going to be important."

Stubbs missed out last time, following his move to Sunderland, but could have a part to play next season after being offered another 12-month deal.

He said: "I will be a free agent in another couple of weeks but I would like to stay. It was tough not being part of the last European campaign; even harder coming back and watching. I was in the stands for the Villarreal and Bucharest games and it was so disappointing. I just hope I can be involved next time and help us do better."

Midfielder Lee Carsley, 33, is another out-of-contract player who wants to stay, scotching rumours that he wanted a return to a club nearer his Midlands home. He said: I feel so proud to play for Everton, and this is a massive chance to experience European football now.

So to consider walking away from the club is not really in my mind or something I would do lightly. But my contract is up and we need to have some talks. I am sure we can sort something out. Of course I want to still be here next season."

Mikel Arteta's penalty, after a needless foul by Glen Johnson on James Vaughan, put Everton on course for a win that was comfortable by the time Joseph Yobo and Gary Naysmith added late headers.

Harry Redknapp helped himself to a post-match pie in the press room and could have been forgiven for questioning whether his players had earned their crust after scarcely troubling Everton's goal.

Portsmouth can yet claim a UEFA Cup place but will have to defend better, as their boss Redknapp conceded. He said: It was there to be won at half-time because there was so little in it.

"But it was a rash challenge for the penalty and if you don't pick people up from corners you are going to be struggling. The last goal was farcical. Linvoy Primus got done at the far post by Naysmith, who probably hadn't scored for about 15 years."