Everton manager David Moyes has praised Dwight McNeil on his return to Everton action this weekend after shining both on the pitch and in training.

The 26-year-old saw a £20million deal collapse on transfer deadline day when Crystal Palace failed to complete the required documents and he has been waiting for his opportunity to break back into the Everton side since.

The opportunity came at the weekend, with McNeil playing 81 minutes at St James’ Park in the Blues' superb 3-2 victory over Newcastle United..

When asked what his return to the team says about McNeil, Moyes said at his press conference to preview Tuesday's home clash against Burnley: “I didn’t at any moment doubt Dwight, whether he was going to Palace, or whether he was staying here, I didn’t doubt him at all.

“I didn’t doubt how he would react or how he would play, he just needed a little bit of time...