"We're showing signs again that we're a good outfit. I never lack belief in the players and the staff. I didn't think we were miles off at the start of the season, we had a couple of turn-arounds but we are learning from that."

The 24-year-old has been outstanding for the Premier League club over the past 6 months. McNeil has become their key creator, helping them to a 2-0 win over Ipswich on Saturday. “I made a change, I felt the technical side of our game wasn't where it should be,” said Dyche post-game.

Everton manager Sean Dyche will not be lulled into a false sense of security by the form of opponents Ipswich. The Premier League newcomers have yet to win any of their seven matches since returning to the top flight, but by virtue of drawing four they sit only a point behind the Toffees.