David Moyes offered his praise to axed Saints boss Nigel Adkins after last night’s goalless draw at St Mary’s.

High-flying Everton were presented with a stern test at St Mary’s and had to fight to earn themselves a point.

Toffees boss Moyes was impressed by the performance of the hosts and made sure the role of their former manager was not forgotten.

“I’ve got to say I thought the team did really well and I’ve got to give Nigel a lot of credit, because I saw his team play at Chelsea the other week and they were excellent and I thought his players tonight did the same,” said Moyes.

“Obviously, there’s a new manager in place now who takes over the reins and the team did well. They’re not a bad side Southampton.”

While Moyes conceded that Saints were far superior in the first half, he felt Everton could have snatched the game after the interval.

“I was frustrated with how we played (in the first half), but a little bit frustrated in the second half that we got one or two good opportunities and we didn’t nick a goal,” he said.

“We didn’t play well, but I’ve got to say I think Southampton have been playing well in recent weeks. I’ve seen them a couple of times and they continued in that form, especially in the first half.

“I thought we got much better after half-time and dealt with it better. “In the end, they probably had the better of the first half and I thought we did the second.”