David Moyes insisted Dwight McNeil deserved to start against Newcastle, after catching the eye in training for Everton.
Dwight McNeil was something of a surprise inclusion in the Toffees’ starting XI against Newcastle on Saturday, and one that wasn’t welcomed by some.
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McNeil, of course, had one foot out of the door a few weeks ago when a deal was in place for him to sign for Crystal Palace.
But Palace pulled the plug on the deal to sign McNeil, meaning he ended up staying.
Yesterday was his first involvement since that drama – and David Moyes gave a positive verdict after the game.
David Moyes speaks on Dwight McNeil after return for Everton against Newcastle
Dwight McNeil playing for Everton.
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After the game, Moyes was asked in his post-match press conference about Dwight O’Neil’s state of mind recently, and getting him back into the swing of things.
And the manager made it clear that he hasn’t been downbeat, and has worked hard for a chance to start again.
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He said: “The club pays his money, I don’t think we should really need to support too much. I don’t treat him different than what I’d treat any other player.
“I just told him to get on with it and he has done so, he’s trained really well this week and deserved an opportunity to start in the team.”
McNeil made good impact vs Newcastle
A lot of people were questioning McNeil’s selection ahead of the game, which was understandable.
After he almost left the club, it was a surprise to see him back starting, with youngsters Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George benched.
There were obvious signs of rust for McNeil in the game, with Moyes also admitting the winger got ‘caught on the ball a bit too often in the first-half’ but to his credit he made an impact.
Dwight McNeil playing for Everton.
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His shot led to the second Everton goal by Beto, and as indicated by Sofascore, he was industrious, making four tackles during his 81 minutes on the pitch.
He also contested a respectable 13 duels, winning seven.
One would imagine that more appearances will follow for McNeil on the back of this, which is a further blow for Dibling.
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