'BRITISH BASE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS' BLUES LOOK TO BUILD ON FAMOUS CUP WIN.

Byline: By IAN DOYLE

DAVID MOYES believes Everton are reaping the rewards of their decision to put faith in British talent.

Eight of the 14 players who appeared in Wednesday's momentous FA Cup fourth round victory over neighbours Liverpool were born in the United Kingdom.

They include youngsters Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling, who scored the dramatic winner in the dying minutes of extra time.

In the quartet of Leighton Baines, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert, Everton can boast the only all-English defence in the Premier League at present.

And as his team entertain Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League this afternoon, the manager reckons Everton's consistent performances demonstrate the value of such a policy.

"We've brought boys through but we also bought Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Leighton Baines," said Moyes. "Tim Cahill is an Aussie but acts like a Brit, if you know what I mean. We've got a good base, Aston Villa are pretty similar. We see the values and importance of having that.

"Mikel Arteta is playing a terrific role, Tim Howard is an American but he is doing likewise. They play a really good role in what we have got. But I think it is important that you try and get some of your own through.

"It's been in my mind from the start. I always intended to have a look within my own building to see what I have got, if there was nothing there I'd look around Britain and then expand from there. It's been harder and harder for us to pick up the Tim Cahills, the Phil Jagielkas.

"It's expensive when you go to the Championship to try and get a couple of players out of there. We probably couldn't really afford the best player in the Championship now."

With Joseph Yobo also a fluent English speaker, Moyes believes the defence - which has now conceded just four goals in the last 11 games - has benefited from the easier communication.

"I think it does help," added the Everton manager. "You could say the same that if you had four Spanish speaking lads.

I know the point. I think it is helping."

With Fellaini struggling with a back problem, Steven Pienaar nursing a hamstring strain and Victor Anichebe injured, new loan signing Jo could be handed an Everton debut this afternoon.

CAPTION(S):

Everton's players pile on top of Dan Gosling (left) after his winning goal in Wednesday's derby; Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka squeeze out Fernando Torres (right)