Everton icon Duncan Ferguson believes they will avoid relegation this season.

The Toffees, who were comfortably mid-table, are now in the relegation zone after a 10 point deduction for financial rules breaches.

With four points so far this term, they are now in the drop zone, but Ferguson is confident they will survive.

"How good are they doing at the moment?" Ferguson, who manages Inverness Caledonian Thistle, told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

“Unfortunately, they got the points deduction, which I knew was coming, but they'll still be safe - they've got a good enough squad, no problem."

He added on the club's fans: "They are the most loyal supporters in the land. They have had a few knocks over the years, to say the least.

"They are a resilient bunch, the Scousers down there, and Everton will be well safe this year.

"I don't know the ins and outs of what the problem is, but 10 points does seem heavy. Obviously, they will appeal it, and hopefully they can get that reduced."