David Moyes has confirmed that Phil Jagielka will become Everton's captain on a permanent basis when Phil Neville leaves Goodison Park in the summer.
The current skipper announced that he will leave the Toffees at the end of the season after eight years with the team.
The manager told evertonfc.com: "If Phil Neville hasn't played, Jags has taken on the role, and he will do. He's developed into a top central defender. His performances have been excellent.
"He just needs to look at Phil and see how he conducts himself off the field, making sure the players are alright and everything's going in the right direction. If Jags can do that, we'll hopefully have another period of success with a successful captain.
"His play has been excellent and his performances have merited it. But he's got a big act to follow because Phil Neville off the field is terrific for the players and he's been a great captain on the field. He'll always put the team first."
Jagielka joined Everton in 2007 from Sheffield United.
Sian Cowper
