Now Lescott has to lead like Terry, says Moyes

Everton's £5million signing from Wolves has already proved one of the bargains of recent times in his two seasons at Goodison Park, after firmly establishing himself in the Barclays Premier League and breaking into the England set-up.

Manager David Moyes is eager to secure his long-term future, and has opened talks on a new contract, but had more pressing matters in mind as he assessed how far the versatile 25-year-old could progress at the heart of Everton's and England's defence.

'He is improving all the time and the next step for him is to become a real leader of this team,' said Moyes.

'Someone who can command respect and kick on, in the same way John Terry has at Chelsea. You could include Rio Ferdinand in that for the way he has become more of a leader at Manchester United.

'Now Joleon has to aim at showing the same dominance for us and the way he does it is by taking more responsibility for the team, as well as himself, and developing his personality.

'He is capable of doing it because I've seen a greater maturity in his performances. He is a very conscientious footballer, who is always trying to improve, and it gives you a great feeling when you are surrounded by players who want to listen and understand and learn. That is why I believe he is ready for this next step, ready to grab the challenge and realise he is already an England defender, never mind a Premier League one.

'I have no problem with him over a new contract. We are making progress and I think it should be sorted out. We are talking to Steven Pienaar too and, with both of them, it is just a case of going about our work quietly.'

Moyes admitted Lescott had not always willingly fitted in at left back and needed reassuring about his longterm role being in the centre of defence.

'We have spoken about it but he appreciates that I know where his best position is,' he said. 'There is no doubt he wants to be playing centre half and that is where he is most effective. But he also must realise he has played left back for England so there are sometimes benefits to be had for being so versatile.'

Yakubu faces one of his former clubs, Portsmouth, at Goodison Park tomorrow in the form of his life after shrugging aside the furore over his late return from the Africa Cup of Nations and hitting a rich vein of goals.

The £11.25m record signing from Middlesbrough has looked sharper than ever since walking into a tirade from disciplinarian Moyes and an £80,000 club fine, and underlined his current lethal touch with a UEFA Cup hat-trick against SK Brann.

'I don't think it was a few sharp words from me so much as the service he has been getting from those around him,' said Moyes. 'I don't know whether he felt he owed us all after what happened but he was certainly full of remorse at being so late back. As is the case with anyone in any organisation you have to turn up for work on time but the matter has been dealt with and is behind us.

'What counts now is that he is scoring goals and contributing in other ways as well. Whatever his motivation is at the moment, long may it continue, because he seems to be scoring almost every week. I have to say I have found him a really pleasant boy to work with and I think the evidence shows he has found us good to work with as well.'