Blues squad spread festive cheer

The whole Everton team were in attendance at Alder Hey

The players and coaching staff of Everton have been spreading some Christmas cheer at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Blues captain Phil Neville told BBC Radio Merseyside seeing the children is something he always looks forward to.

"I think its always the highlight of the year," said Neville. "When you get the hospital visits, especially at Christmas, every player attends.

"It's nice to put some smiles on the faces of some very sick children."

The 31-year-old says the visits to the hospitals at this time of year put life into perspective.

I know we are one of the good clubs and do a lot of good things in the community Joleon Lescott

"Losing a game is nothing compared to what these children and their families are going through," he continued.

"It puts life into perspective and it makes you thankful for the health that we all have."

England international Joleon Lescott believes visiting Alder Hey is something all of them should do more often.

"We could do these visits a couple of times a year," said Lescott. "I know we are one of the good clubs and do a lot of good things in the community.

"I'm sure we can put together a few more visits throughout the year."

Lescott, like Neville, says seeing the children is a humbling experience for him and the rest of the Everton team.

"Coming here puts everything into perspective. There's a lot more to life than football," he added.