Ndiaye is really living up to the PROMISE

BLUES WINGER WILLING TO LEND THAT HELPING HAND

- By MATT JONES

YOU can't knock the confidence of Iliman Ndiaye.

"Before the game, Ili said, 'Yes, today I'll try to help you to score,'" Thierno Barry revealed after breaking his Everton duck in Saturday's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Ndiaye delivered.

As the first half edged toward a conclusion and supporters drifted towards the concourses for their refreshments, Ndiaye dragged every gaze back to the pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

A blistering run, a slick stepover and a perfectly weighted pass placed the ball on a plate for Barry to make it 2-0. He could have slipped in Carlos Alcaraz. He could have taken the shot himself.

Instead, true to his word, he set up his teammate.

Given what he told Barry before kickoff, it was little surprise to see the Everton No. 10 celebrate almost as joyfully as the goalscorer when the ball hit the net. Ndiaye is not for breaking promises it would seem.

The buildup to Barry's goal has flown under the radar somewhat, largely because of the fact it was Barry who scored it. But Everton manager David Moyes made a point of highlighting Ndiaye's contribution afterward.