'We want' - Sean Dyche shares Abdoulaye Doucoure Everton wish before Crystal Palace

Sean Dyche has expressed his confidence in Abdoulaye Doucoure making a significant impact upon his return to the Everton team.

Dyche, who took over as Blues boss just over a year ago, brought Doucoure back into the fold after he had been sidelined by previous manager Frank Lampard. This decision has proven fruitful, with Doucoure now leading as Everton's top scorer this season, despite battling several injuries.

The Malian midfielder, who has scored six league goals this season - three more than any other Everton player - is set to make a comeback after a hamstring injury limited him to just one game in the last 10 matches.

With Doucoure back in training this week, he is in contention for Monday's crucial match against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park due to his major influence on the current side.

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When asked why he chose to use Doucoure as a roaming midfielder behind centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dyche simply said: "Just his history."

He added: "I knew him for a while from the early days of his career and I felt he had legs and energy, knows the game tactically and does it very well and can score a goal. Just looking at the logical side of it really. But you do go on instinct; he's a player I've always liked and I put him straight in the side and he's delivered. We want him to come back in the side and do well again."

Everton must start scoring more goals if they wish to ease relegation fears. Despite a good run of results in November and December, the Toffees have struggled in the final third this season, scoring just 26 in 24