Everton caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson has revealed Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the players after their 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

Ferguson now moves aside for the new manager.

Ferguson praised his side's fighting spirit and thanked fans for backing him during his four-game tenure which also saw the Blues beat Chelsea 3-1, draw 1-1 at Manchester United and come from two goals down to draw with high-flying Leicester in the Carabao Cup before losing on penalties.

He is excited at the prospect of working with Ancelotti, who will officially take charge of Everton on Sunday after agreeing a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Club.

“Mr Ancelotti came into the changing room after the game. He made a lovely speech - everyone is onboard and we're all looking forward to starting work on Monday," said Ferguson.

“It's a brilliant appointment. I've said all along we want a world-class manager at Everton - and we've got one. I can't wait to start working with him."

He added: “It's the players who have done it, not me. They are the guys who have got to cover the grass, score goals, defend – so it's all credit to the players.

“I thought it was a good point. A wee bit of fatigue had set in so it was a fantastic point for us. The clean sheet was important for us today. I'm made up with the defenders who really put their body on the line for us.

"Look at Alex Iwobi. We all know he had a hamstring injury but he stays on the pitch and it just shows the character of the man. Incredible effort by him.

“It was hard graft but they dug in and we got a point and I really appreciate the fans' support.

“I still love the Club, I still love the fans. I'd do anything for Everton fans, they know that."