Dwight McNeil has praised Ellis Simms for his centre-forward play and believes his Everton side are giving everything to preserve the club's Premier League status.
Simms came off the bench to score a late equaliser against Chelsea last time out. Replacing Idrissa Gueye after 79 minutes, the 22-year-old showed exactly what he can do.
Taking a short pass from Abdoulaye Doucoure, Simms then brushed off Kalidou Koulibaly before cutting inside and finishing past Kepa Arrizabalaga. And McNeil believes it was the sort of play his team-mates want to see from their forward.
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He said: “We know he has got that side to his side to his game. The way he went past the defender. He’s a striker, that is what we want from our strikers. A cool and composed finish from the lad.”
Asked about his side’s fight to avoid the drop, McNeil said: “It is just having that belief and confidence. Our away form hasn’t been as good as our home form this season, but we are always looking to improve.
“We are sticking at it and everybody is trying their hardest not only for themselves but for the club and fans. We are giving everything we can at the minute.
McNeil has started all eight games since Frank Lampard was replaced in late January, having managed just 11 out of 20 previously. And the 23-year-old believes a boost to his confidence is the reason behind his resurgence at Goodison Park.
"I’m enjoying it, that’s the thing,” he said when asked about his form. “I’ve got confidence back and it’s good to get it from the players, the coaching staff and the gaffer.
"On a personal level, it’s going as well as it can - but I always think I can improve. I want to get better for myself, but also for the club and the fans.
"We’re giving everything we can at the minute; we’re giving everything we can to stay in this league. We know how important it is to stay in this league.
"We are playing better as a team, we are understanding each other individually and collectively as well.
"Everyone is confident - and rightly so - but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. Every game is going to be as hard as the next one."
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