Toffees are hopeful Tyler can fill the gap in Ndiaye's absence

DAVID MOYES wants Tyler Dibling to play a central role in Everton's efforts to cope with the loss of key players to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

- By JOE THOMAS

The teenager has struggled for minutes since the move from Southampton that made him the club's most expensive signing of Moyes’ summer overhaul.

The Blues boss has used him sparingly amid the success of Iliman Ndiaye on the right but the expectation is he will help cover the loss of the Senegalese and Moyes is content to show patience with him, given the manager has also utilised Dwight McNeil and Carlos Alcaraz on the wing.

Merlin Rohl is considered another option if necessary, though he may be required to deal with the absence of Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye.

Dibling has started just once in the Premier League for Everton - the home game against Crystal Palace that saw him replaced at the break.

The lack of opportunity has been surprising given that he arrived with Premier League experience.

The Blues placed the need for an option on the right wing at the top of their summer wish list, but missed out ona host of targets before their long pursuit for Dibling led to a breakthrough late in the transfer window.

Despite spending an initial £35million on the 19-year-old, the success of moving Ndiaye to the right has reduced his opportunities - the Senegal international starting the season with four league goals and having created a host of chances.

For Moyes, Ndiaye’s consistency has reduced the urgency to expose Dibling.