Dwight McNeil is relishing the prospect of linking up with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and believes a reunion with Sean Dyche has changed his fortunes at Everton.
Calvert-Lewin took a huge step towards returning for Everton last week when he joined in full team training. However, Saturday’s clash against Brentford came too early for the forward.
The England international, who has featured just once under Dyche, has been plagued by injury problems for the past 18 months. So far this season, he has only managed 12 appearances in all competitions.
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But with the forward now nearing a return to action, McNeil is relishing the prospect of being able to properly link up with the former Sheffield United man as he believes his style of play will suit Everton's No.9.
“We know Dom's a big player for us,” he said when asked about the return of his team-mate. “He's got a couple of training sessions but I think the main thing is to get him match fit because he's a massive part of our squad.
“I've not really played with Dom. I just know from experience of playing against him that he's a massive threat.
“He's good in the air but he's good with his feet as well so he's a big handful and everyones looking forward to having him back in the squad.”
McNeil's early goal against Brentford at Goodison Park on Saturday continued his impressive turnaround at the club. The 23-year-old has started all seven games since Frank Lampard was replaced in late January by Dyche, having managed just 11 out of 20 previously.
“It’s been good. I got off to a good start and it’s nice to just be playing. I appreciate it a lot, that I am getting the trust to play,” McNeil said when asked about life under Dyche.
“When Dyche came back in, we had a conversation about how I was playing. He knew what type of player I am and the person I am off the pitch, as well, which is massive. We had a conversation about how to get me playing back to how I used to be.
“I am enjoying it. Now we have to focus on the rest of the season because it is tight at the bottom. We have massive games coming up and the international break, but we will take it one game at a time.”
Before he added: "I knew him personally before he arrived but having him here is good. I'm still learning from him every day.
“I'm learning from the coaching staff every day as well so every day is a new challenge and a learning curve for me as well.
“It helps. obviously, I've known him for a long time now and I've known the coaching staff for a long time so that helps as well but every day is a new learning curve and a new challenge.”
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