Moyes is well aware that a fifth-place finish is likely to be needed to qualify this season and his side are nine points behind Tottenham, currently in that position, having played a game more.

The Scot said: “I don’t think we can make Europe. The way it has gone I don’t think that’s there at all.

“We weren’t good enough in the early part of that race so we can’t have any complaints about it.”

Everton were just three points above the relegation zone at the end of February.

Their upturn in fortunes – the Merseysiders are now unbeaten in six games – has come in spite of a spate of injuries, with key players such as Louis Saha, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini being sidelined.

Moyes has been impressed with his side’s response to the adversity.

He said: “In the early part of the season we didn’t have injuries.

“We had most people fit but we just didn’t get the results.

“It is sort of in reverse order because we have lost a lot of key players but we have been able to grind out some results in recent weeks.

“That is hard to weigh up but there is a resilience amongst the players. They know what is expected at this football club.

“They have dug deep when we haven’t, on paper, had the strongest-looking squad.

“Ever since I have been here there has always been a bit of being up against it – whether it be because our neighbours have spent more money or are above us in the league or we are trying to catch somebody to get into a European spot.

“Then obviously the financial situation means we always feel we are behind everyone else.

“But I don’t think we act that way. When we cross the white line we go out there, try to be committed and do everything we can to win.”

With Cahill, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman doubtful for tomorrow’s clash against Blackburn at Goodison Park, Moyes is again short on numbers.

In recent weeks the bench has been filled with untried youngsters and the likes of Magaye Gueye and Apostolos Vellios could again get time on the field.

They will come up against a Blackburn side anxious for points after slipping into the relegation battle amid an eight-game winless run.

Yet while Moyes will be looking to deepen Rovers’ gloom, he has backed his fellow Glaswegian Steve Kean to lift the club.

He said: “Steve has got a good job at Blackburn, it is his first real chance.

“He has worked hard at other clubs to get an opportunity.

“When you take jobs it is very rare you are going to go in and get the perfect situation.

“A lot of the time you are in a situation where you have got to make things happen.

“Steve will find that is the way football management is but he is a good coach and I am sure he will do fine.”

While Cahill continues to battle a foot injury, Moyes is at least pleased the influential Australian is likely to enjoy an extended break having withdrawn from international duty this summer.

The 30-year-old midfielder scored nine goals before the end of December but has featured little since taking part in the Asian Cup in January.

Moyes said: “He definitely needs the break.

“He played in the World Cup and then he went to the Asian games and I don’t think that has helped him, in fact it has really hindered him in my eyes.

“Because of that I think he needs to start looking at himself to get into condition.

“He has been really good for Everton but Everton have been really good to him as well, so I think it is important he does look at the club here.

“Because of that I don’t think he’ll get involved in any of the friendlies this summer for Australia.”