Everton boss Dyche reveals positive one-on-one McNeil chats

Everton boss Sean Dyche has lifted the lid on his one-on-one work with Dwight McNeil.

The winger has been outstanding for Everton in recent weeks.

Dyche told the Liverpool Echo: I think his maturity as a professional continues, I think his understanding of the role, his tactical understanding, his understanding of Everton Football Club as well because he was at Burnley for a while, continue. He's packaging himself together as a very, very good professional.

As a manager, you look at professionals for their talent, of course. But what about their overall professionalism? What about their understanding of what it is?

I say to all the younger players, on your passport, you want it to say professional footballer, not just footballer. Everyone wants the footballer bit, everyone wants to win, everyone wants to win trophies and play for England or whatever your country, everyone wants to drive a Ferrari or whatever they want.

That's what managers love about players, so that's the bit you focus on and go, 'right, that's the bit we've got to change to become a proper professional', and he's definitely one of them."

Dyche handed McNeil his debut at Burnley and continued: I always said to Dwight, and no disrespect to Burnley, but Burnley at that time was a big stepping stone for him to a bigger clubs. With all due respect, Everton is a bigger club. So, yes, I could see him going down that road. I didn't know which club, but I could always see him going on and moving on.

I know when he got here, it was a tougher period, but I think he's won the fans here over with his endeavour, his graft and his quality. Of course people talk about his goals and his assists, why wouldn't you? But his actual work ethic, his belief, his shape, all the things that managers and coaches love, and the players too by the way.

I think the fans are beginning to respect that as well. You know, he's understanding of the game, and I still think there's more to come. I really do."