Diblling primed for more time when Ndiaye goes to AFCON

MOYES HAPPY TO WAIT ON YOUNG STARS MAKING AN IMPACT

- BY JOE THOMAS EFC Correspondent

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.

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 overhaul led by Moyes.

The Blues boss has used him sparingly amid the success of Ndiaye on the right but is working towards introducing Dibling to a more prominent role when he deems the time to be right.

The expectation is he will help cover the loss of Ndiaye and Moyes is content to show patience with him at Finch Farm while he fights to earn a chance in a competitive area 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, unlike fellow young summer signings Thierno Barry and Adam Aznou, he arrived with Premier League experience.

Everton 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.