Sean Dyche is confident Everton will not 'get caught up in any noise' as Anthony Gordon prepares to make his first return to Goodison Park since joining Newcastle United. The Toffees academy graduate left in January in acrimonious circumstances, and is expected to receive a hostile reception on Thursday night.
Eddie Howe has backed Gordon to handle the occasion in front of the BT Sport cameras, insisting the forward does not have 'anything to prove' to his former fans. The mid-season transfer preceded Dyche's time in the Goodison Park hotseat, and the Everton boss has been quick to downplay the narrative surrounding the 22-year-old's return.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "I don't see why they'd get caught up in any noise around it, I certainly won't because it was before my time here, I don't know much about it."
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Everton currently sit one point adrift of safety following their goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday. The draw at Elland Road on Tuesday night between Leeds United and Leicester City has opened the door for the Toffees to leapfrog both with victory over Newcastle.
However, Dyche is aware of the test the Magpies will pose, especially on the back of their mauling of top-four rivals Tottenham at the weekend. Newcastle won the reverse fixture by a single goal in October, and the Everton boss has been complimentary of his upcoming opponents.
Dyche added: "They've turned into a very strong unit and we've seen that this season. We know they're a good outfit and if Eddie suggests they haven't been starting well then we have to deal with that. You've got to keep that consistent performance throughout the 90 minutes.
"I think all Evertonians know how important this run of games is. We're getting a fitter squad but this last clutch of games is bound to be important, given what it means."
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