Marouane Fellaini will get even better - Everton boss David Moyes

But manager Moyes, while pleased with the attacking prowess of Fellaini, is determined to develop him into more of an all-round midfielder.

He said: "For a foreigner to come in, we know how difficult it can be, but he has actually had quite a big impact on us. He has started to get a few goals for us. The one in the FA Cup (quarter-final against Middlesbrough last week) and the one today finished the game off really.

"When he played for Standard Liege he played a little bit advanced than the other midfield players and had an effect in the box so his role had a similarity to Tim Cahill. But we see him in time stepping back and playing a role further back. Midfield brings a lot of responsibil-ity. Positional wise he has a bit to do and understanding the game which can go past him at times. But playing in the role he is has helped him and us."

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Fellaini once again proved his worth to a squad low on striking options when he got forward to score the goal that ensured Everton strengthened their grip on sixth place in the Premier League.

And Moyes added: "Because we have not had centre-forwards for long periods, we have said 'away you go up there and cause some problems'. He has done it really well.

"He set up the first and then scored. I didn't think he had as much influence when he dropped deeper in the second half after Tim went off. That could have coincided with Stoke's best period.

"But I think he has had a really good first season in the Pemier League for a young lad and in time we can build the team around him.

"His English is improving but not enough yet. He is a conscientious boy who wants to listen, work hard and improve his game. I hope we will see signs that next year will be another stage in his development."

Cahill's withdrawal came at half-time with Everton leading 2-0, an advantage they almost squandered during a lacklustre start to the second half in which Ryan Shawcross pulled a goal back for Stoke.

But Moyes insisted he had to disrupt his first-half line-up as he couldn't risk Cahill aggravating a niggling injury. He said: "Tim had a slight calf strain, he was feeling it a little bit so we thought it wise to bring him off. We missed him because his presence in both penalty boxes is a big part of his game and we could have done with him."

Moyes has refused to give up on Champions League qualification despite the advantage both Arsenal and Aston Villa hold over his side.

But the Scot is focusing on making sure his own side don't continue to suffer the kind of lapses that could have cost them the three points on Saturday.

He added: "We need an exceptional run - this current run going to the end of the season really - and then there is a chance we could get fourth. But as I have said many times, Villa and Arsenal are in the box seat. They have the points in the bag. We are not going to give up on it, but realistically they have the points in the bag.

"I think after the game the point was to let the players know that we can't drop off the pace in games.

"But I have to give Stoke credit. They got a goal back and had the impetus to go on. It gave them a chance to build up a head of steam and they did it against Aston Villa."