In his first season at the club in 2005, the former Manchester United defender was left shattered as they were knocked out of the Champions League and then the UEFA Cup.

Villareal of Spain and Dinamo Bucharest of Romania left the blue half of Merseyside with nothing but bad memories.

Neville is now hoping to make amends for that double disappointment when Everton face Metalist Kharkiv.

A place in the group stages of the UEFA Cup is at stake following the 1-1 draw in the first round first leg at Goodison Park two weeks ago.

Neville said: "The reason I joined Everton was they were playing in the Champions League.

"Although it was exciting, the campaign ended quickly.

"The aim last year was to get back to this level and return to Europe.

"There is something extra special about these nights.

"Our aim is to get a victory and progress to the group stages.

"It would mean a lot to the fans. We took 6,000 supporters to Villareal and that was tremendous backing."

Metalist have the advantage of an away goal and Neville believes Everton will have to be patient.

He said: "It is simple. We need to win the game. We must make sure we utilise our experience.

"We have to realise a match is over 90 minutes, not 10, and play well.

"This is what we worked so hard for last season and victory here could help us gain momentum in other competitions."

Everton will assess the fitness of striker Andrew Johnson and midfielder Leon Osman in the hours leading up to the match, with both players suffering from groin problems.

Manager David Moyes rejected claims his side had underestimated Metalist in the first leg.

"We came over here to see them and did our work thoroughly," he said.

"They are a good side. You saw that by the way Metalist played in Liverpool."

Everton go into the match on the back of victories against Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough.

Moyes added: "We are pleased with the last two results and want to continue in the UEFA Cup.

"We will give Metalist respect but we are looking for a positive outcome as players in Britain thrive on big crowds and big atmospheres."