“He’s made the manager think”: Irvine praises Dibling after first Everton assist seals win over Wolves

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Alan Irvine has said Tyler Dibling took his chance during Everton's 1-0 win over Wolves and believes the club's small squad is stepping up.

Everton edged into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a late win over Wolves at Hill Dickinson Stadium, as Charly Alcaraz scored the decisive goal 10 minutes from time.

The Toffees had been frustrated by former goalkeeper Joao Virginia until Alcaraz collected Dibling's pass, fooled Toti Gomes with a feint, and fired home.

The winner was Dibling's first assist for Everton and capped an encouraging night for the 20-year-old, who is yet to feature in the Premier League this season.

Dibling also created another good chance for Brennan Johnson, and Everton assistant Irvine said the winger made the most of his opportunity. Irvine also praised Alcaraz for his attitude amid limited minutes and said it's important that Everton's small squad prove they are all capable of contributing.

“He’s really looked as if he’s a lot more comfortable since the start of pre-season. It was a big move for him last year, and sometimes it takes that little bit of time for younger players to settle, away from home and things," Irvine said of Dibling to evertonfc.com.

“I’m absolutely delighted for him. He’s been training well. I spoke to him before the game and said, ‘You’ve been waiting for a chance. Now it’s important that you perform well, take it, and give the manager a big decision about who plays in that position’.

“He’s done that, and I’m absolutely thrilled for him. He’s been training well since we came back for pre-season and it’s brilliant for him to be involved for the goal, and fantastic for that goal to be scored by Charly, because Charly’s been waiting patiently as well. He trains well every day, so I didn’t feel as if he’d be struggling to get up to speed with the game.

“We need every player [to step up]. We have a small squad, and as a result we need every player to be usable within that squad and be able to make a contribution. I think that’s what we’re seeing from the boys. They’re all capable of playing in the team, not weakening the team, and certainly making a contribution."