Everton boss David Moyes has refused to enter a war of words with Newcastle United rival Alan Pardew ahead of tonight's clash.

On the final day of last season the high-flying Magpies arrived at Goodison Park with Pardew claiming his side were operating in a different league to the Toffees, who were on a great run of form themselves.

They departed having been on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline but, with the two teams set to meet again on Merseyside on Monday night, Moyes was not interested in dredging up old arguments.

"People can say what they like in terms of where Everton are compared to Newcastle," said the Scot.

"Alan and Newcastle did a really good job and deservedly have found themselves in Europe this year.

"I thought they did great last year as they kept it going when a lot of people thought they would fade away.

"For a long time they were very close to being a Champions League team.

"But we have been in strong positions. They finished above us last season. You are only as good as your last one and in the last one they did better than us.

"Over the years we've done pretty well with the resources we have available to us."