Moyes looks to Dibling as wing option in absence of AFCON star Ndiaye

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

- By JOE THOMAS

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

The Blues boss has used him sparingly amid the success of Iliman Ndiaye on the right flank but is working toward giving Dibling to a more prominent role.

The expectation is he will help cover the loss of Ndiaye 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 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 with the hosts losing 1-0.

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 wishlist, but missed out on a 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 teammates.