Dwight impact teaches harsh lessons

MCNEIL HAS SET EXAMPLE FOR FRINGE PLAYERS TO FOLLOW

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THINK we were all shocked to see Dwight McNeil back in Everton's starting lineup at St James' Park - but both his selection and subsequent performance against Newcastle United are harsh lessons to those players that he's keeping out of the side.

McNeil getting picked was the big talking point. He's had the disappointment of not being able to get his deadline day move to Crystal Palace in an attempt to get more regular football, but he's showed his professionalism.

He's got in front of the manager's eyes and that's a significant factor for the players who are behind him in the pecking order. For a couple of weeks, he was out in the cold and not even in the squad, but it looks like he's got himself back in through his work rate, professionalism and attitude.

Dwight's doing things the right way. He's not sulking and moping around, as he knows that will be a bad look for him with potential future clubs.

He needed to get back playing football, playing the game he loves, regardless of what shirt he's putting on. As David Moyes said, Everton are paying his wages, but you've got to give McNeil credit for his response.

He did well for the second goal with a lovely touch and a great shot, ahead of Beto scoring from the rebound. He did tire - which was to be expected - and that was the only little thing that you could question the manager over, asking whether we could have made the substitutions a bit earlier as we were starting to get overrun and Newcastle's fans and players were gaining in their belief.