BARRY HORNE: Always look on the bright side.

Byline: BARRY HORNE 

THERE are two very good reasons why Evertonians should not become too despondent about last weekend's derby defeat.

1) Liverpool are capable of producing the occasional outstanding performance - but they have proved time and time again that they can't do it week-in week-out.

2) And with only eight games left and Everton still four points clear of the Reds, games are running out.

It is vitally important that Everton do not get deflated or dispirited by last weekend's result.

As they showed against Arsenal and Olympiakos earlier in the campaign, Liverpool are capable of producing a great performance every now and again. Unfortunately for Everton the latest came in the biggest derby match for years.

Bolton are next at Anfield, and while they will offer a stern test, it is more likely that the Reds will slip up in games at places like Portsmouth and Crystal Palace.

Liverpool can usually rely on their home form. That is not the case away from Anfield and while fixtures like those two look straightforward on paper, in reality they will be scrapping for their lives.

It is pointless trying t o look at Everton and Liverpool's remaining fixtures and work out who mightwin what. As the recent Blackburn games showed, there is no way of predicting the outcome of any games.

What is clear is that Everton's next two games - against West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace - are very important, and four points from those fixtures would still leave the Blues very much in the driving seat.

Now is not the time for despondency or pessimism