Everton youngsters will be looking to break into the first-team under Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche raves about 'exceptional' Dwight McNeil after what Burnley fans did to Everton star in Carabao Cup clash

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02 Nov 2023, 6:40 am

Sean Dyche hailed Dwight McNeil for his "exceptional" performance after the winger played a starring role as Everton eased to a 3-0 EFL Cup victory over Burnley.

McNeil assisted James Tarkowski for Everton's opening goal on Wednesday (1 November) and played a major part in Amadou Onana's tap-in, before Ashley Young's late third.

The Englishman was playing against his former side for the first time since departing ahead of last season and was jeered by the travelling fans at Goodison Park, which left BBC Sport journalist Shamoon Hafez surprised.

Speaking after his side set up a home quarter-final against Fulham, Dyche is quoted by Liverpool World as saying: "Dwight McNeil was exceptional in the second half - his work ethic for the team and actual team play."

Short memories

On the same night Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was jeered by West Ham fans, it seemed strange that Burnley supporters took aim at McNeil.

As a reminder, McNeil made 140 appearances for Burnley and missed just two league games between December 2018 and his exit in July 2022.

Burnley's relegation meant he was inevitably snapped up by a Premier League team, with Everton paying a reported £20million to sign him [BBC Sport].

Football fans have short memories, and it was just nice to see McNeil get his head down and deliver another impressive performance.

The 23-year-old had a joint-high three attempts [WhoScored], but it was his deliveries that caused more damage from Burnley's perspective.

To rub salt into the travelling supporters' wounds, another of their former players in Tarkowski converted one of those crosses.

On the back of that fine display against his former employers, there is no doubt that McNeil's place in the side is now nailed down.

In other Everton news, one Toffees player flopped with a 3/10 display against Burnley.

Dwight McNeil

Burnley

Sean Dyche