The return of influential Australian Tim Cahill has coincided with Moyes' men ending a run of two consecutive defeats, with UEFA Cup victory over Larissa followed by yesterday's stroll against Derby at Pride Park.

And now, with front man Andy Johnson less than a fortnight away from recovery from an ankle injury, Moyes is convinced the only way is up for his buoyant squad.

He said: "It was important we got back in the right half of the league because we've had to hang in there a little bit. We've been waiting on a number of players coming back from injury.

"But there have certainly been signs in the last few weeks that we've been coming back into form and people are beginning to regain a bit of confidence, and I think that's partly due to the boys coming back from injury.

"Andrew Johnson is probably only two weeks away now so we are very close to having a full squad to put forward which will give us more options."

Toffees defender Phil Jagielka - who slotted in at right-back at Pride Park due to the suspension of Tony Hibbert - admitted the return of Cahill has made a big difference.

Jagielka told www.evertonfc.com: "Tim's a nice guy and a very good player.

"The squad has a nice little buzz with him being back because he gives us something different."

Meanwhile Derby captain Matt Oakley urged his team-mates to put their latest miserable defeat behind them and focus on clambering off the foot of the Premier League table.

The Rams barely created a chance in a low-key performance which was particularly unexpected given they had taken their first away point of the season in their last match at Fulham.

Oakley admitted: "I thought last week was the turning point. It was very encouraging but I'm scratching my head as to why we failed to create any chances.

"It's back to the drawing board. We've got to stick together and the crowd has got to stick with us too.

"There are lots of games to be played so we can't get too down about it."