Everton boss David Moyes rates Phil Jagielka has the best centre-half in the country - outside of Manchester United's star pair.

The Everton defender gained his reward for a sensational February when he was named Barclays Player of the Month yesterday.

Moyes - named the Manager of the Month - said: "He's a thoroughly deserving winner.

"For me, Jags has been THE outstanding centre-half in the Premier League, outside of Vidic and probably Rio.

"I'm not just talking of his form at the moment but his consistency and reliability throughout - week in, week out.

"When we were toiling a bit at the start of the season, he was carrying us and his partnership with Joleon Lescott has been superb."