Pienaar: Back with a bang

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Neville respect for Stevie P

Everton captain Phil Neville joined David Moyes in singing Steven Pienaar’s praises after his match-winning display against Chelsea.

The January loan signing marked his return to Merseyside with an early opener before Denis Stracqualursi sealed the points at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Pienaar, who made his Premier League name with the Toffees, is back at the club from Tottenham until the end of the season. 

“It was a great performance from Pienaar. He is obviously back doing what he does best at a club he enjoys playing at,” Neville said.

“I don’t think he realises how well thought of he is here.

“When he was at Tottenham I don’t think there was a day that went past when we didn’t speak about him.

“The combination between him and Leighton Baines on the left-hand side -there is no better combination in English football at the moment.

“He has had a good return. He was man of the match at Wigan last week and probably our best player, along with Denis (Stracqualursi) against Chelsea.”

Manager Moyes was likewise pleased to have the South Africa captain back on his books.

“He got clapped by everyone at the end, some of the stuff he did was terrific,” said Moyes after the weekend success.

“I said to him at the end it was like he had never been away. Sometimes clubs just fit players and maybe that is the case. Maybe this just suits him.”

Pienaar made his first Everton appearance of the season in a 1-1 draw with Wigan last week.