'Exceptional' Phil Jagielka is best at the back - Craig Short

However, after several unconvincing displays in the Everton engine room and a brief stint in the right-back position, Jagielka finally found his feet in his new surroundings in central defence.

Such was his consistency in the position, mostly alongside Joseph Yobo with Joleon Lescott moved across to left-back, that Moyes allowed veteran Alan Stubbs to join Derby County during the January transfer window.

Jagielka's upturn in fortunes was complete at the end of his debut season under Moyes when he was called up into the England squad by new national team coach Fabio Capello, earning his first cap as a half-time substitute in the 3-0 victory away at Trinidad & Tobago in June 1.

Short, who made more than 100 appearances for Everton between 1995-99 has claims he always thought Jagielka was better suited to a central defensive role.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 40-year-old used to play in the same team as Jagielka at Sheffield United and although he believed he was effective in midfield, Short could always see him making the switch to defence.

Short said: "The current back four (at Everton) is looking very, very good and I'm pleased for Phil Jagielka because Phil was at Sheffield United with me and he's done exceptionally well. He was a midfielder at Sheffield United but I always thought he would make a good centre-back and I know he's done well since he's come here. I thought he would struggle when he came here, which he did, but he's done really well.

"Moyes himself was a centre-half himself so it doesn't surprise me that he has got such a strong defence."

Many similarities have been drawn between Jagielka and Short in terms of style of play - but one that some people may not take into consideration is both players's goalkeeping abilities.

Short has revealed that in his Everton days he used to train with goalkeeping legend Neville Southall - because aside from playing in defence, he reckoned he would make a decent goalkeeper.

And Jagielka's versatility is such, he is not averse to playing in goal, having stepped in on occasions for Sheffield United - keeping a clean sheet for the last half an hour of a 1-0 win over Arsenal during the 2006/07 season after Paddy Kenny suffered an injury.

Short, talking to EvertonTV, added: "I used to go and train with Neville Southall because I fancied myself as a bit of a goalkeeper.

"I couldn't believe how hard they trained.

"Goalkeeper training is very hard and it was an eye-opener for me."