Dwight McNeil was “lost for words” after being applauded off the pitch in the closing stages of Everton’s win over Burnley. The midfielder was lauded from all sides of Hill Dickinson Stadium after helping the Blues to a 2-0 victory over his former club Burnley.

McNeil was involved in both goals just days after he returned to David Moyes’ starting line-up for win at Newcastle United.

That start at St James’ Park was the 26-year-old’s first taste of action since the collapse of a move to Crystal Palace in the final minutes of the winter transfer window. His partner, Megan Sharpley, later claimed McNeil had been “toyed with” by the London club.

Sharpley claimed the prospect of a transfer ended without “explanation”, writing on Instagram: “For it to be torn away from you at the last second, with absolutely no explanation. Going from everything - to radio silence, no phone call, no communication and be left, broken hearted with nothing but confusion, has hurt more than I can say.”

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McNeil missed several...