'I should have rested more players against Liverpool' says Everton manager David Moyes

Nikica Jelavic fires in against Sunderland in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Everton manager David Moyes claims he made a mistake in not resting more players for this month's Merseyside derby in order to help the club's FA Cup run.

The Scot omitted six players for the 3-0 defeat at Anfield as he had one eye on their FA Cup quarter-final at home to Sunderland four days later.

Moyes was criticised for that move, especially after the cup game finished 1-1 with the replay adding to a packed fixture schedule, with the club set to play their eighth match of the month at home to West Brom tomorrow.

But after getting through the replay in midweek at the Stadium of Light, the Toffees boss suggested that in hindsight he would have done things differently.

"I made a mistake against Liverpool - I should have rested more players," he said.

"If I had done that I would probably have got through the first time.

"I didn't rest enough players in that game and I should have gone with my gut feeling that night and then we probably wouldn't have needed a replay."

Everton now face another derby - this time in the last four at Wembley - but Moyes refused to discuss the forthcoming semi-final.

The Football Association have finally confirmed the kick-off time as 12.30pm on April 14.

"It is not ideal for supporters but that is the time we have been given so hopefully we will get there in time," he said.

"We have three really important league games (beforehand) so you are wasting your time asking me any questions about it.

"We are not mentioning it in the dressing room."

PA