DAVID MOYES reckons there is no better defender in the Premier League at present than Phil Jagielka.

The 28-year-old was at his dependable best during Everton’s impressive comeback against Manchester City at the weekend, and Moyes believes his England man is the top flight’s most in-form centre-back.

Jagielka signed a new four-year contract in March, and Moyes has gone on record to say he expects the former Sheffield United player to captain the Blues in the future.

He said: “What he has about him is as good as anyone in the country, it really is. He’s a great recovery defender.

“There are bits of his game that will improve, but who could you not say that about? He is very valuable to us and that’s why we have got him here on a long term contract.

“I’ve said many times I see him as a future captain at Everton, and the way he’s playing just now he’s doing that.”

Meanwhile, Louis Saha has begun his comeback from the ankle injury that ruled him out for the season.

The Frenchman was injured in the 2-1 win over Fulham in March but has returned to Finch Farm as he focuses on being ready for the start of next season.

Saha, 32, has been back in France, but said he was delighted to rejoin his team-mates – even if he can’t play a full part in training.

“I can’t join in with training but I’m happy to start my rehabilitation,” he said. “I’ve been on crutches for quite a while now, but I’m pleased to be around the boys again and I’ve seen that they’ve been doing very well.

“I think the squad here have done pretty well without me, so we need to make sure that we make a better start (next season) with everyone fit and well.”

Saha has made 27 appearances this term, notching 10 goals, but the forward says he has been a frustrated viewer from the sidelines in recent weeks.

He said: “It’s always been the case, I always get an injury when I’ve started to build a bit of momentum.

“At the time the pain was immense, so believe me, I was thinking about doing the right things to be back on the pitch one day.

“No-one can imagine how hard it is, if you ask my missus she will tell you straight away that it is difficult for me to watch.

“But that’s the job, I would prefer to play at my best, it’s painful and frustrating but I will deal with it.”