Everton captain Phil Neville is happy the club have their destiny in their own hands as they battle to finish fourth in the top flight.The race to finish fourth is one of the tighest in recent years with Everton, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Manchester City all in contention to take the spot.

Everton currently occupy fourth spot and Neville is delighted his side lead the way as the season draws to an exciting close.

"Teams around us at the moment there is a tight cluster of four or five clubs who all have aspirations to finish in a European place," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"Manchester City was one of them and they and Villa are the closest challengers to Liverpool to finish in fourth place.

"We needed to win that game on Monday and we didn't just win the game, we played really well and came out convincing winners."

Neville says Everton are only focusing on their own results as they look to qualify for next season's Champions League.

"It is always nice when it is in your own hands, so you not reliant on anyone else," added Neville.

"You don't have to worry about anybody else or look for results around you when it is in your own hands.

"It is always better when it is in your own hands and I think we are enjoying the games at moment as every game is a big game so long may it continue."

Neville admits finishing fourth would be like winning the title for Everton because of the prize that comes with fourth.

"It feels similar [to a title challenge] because for a club like Everton it would be like winning the title to finish in fourth place as the prize is huge," noted Neville.

"I would love to play in the Champions League again and so would everybody at this club.

"The supporters have enjoyed the UEFA Cup this season, they have travelled in their thousands everywhere imagine what it would be like to be in the Champions League place."

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