Everton boss Frank Lampard said he is excited to work with attacking players as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli are set to be included in Everton’s squad for the trip to Newcastle.
Everton face the Magpies on Tuesday sitting in 16th, with their relegation rivals in the bottom three, in a huge fixture in the fight for Premier League survival.
Former Chelsea manager Lampard said he was not surprised by the reception from the Everton fans in his first game against Brentford.
He said: “It was nothing I didn’t expect, I’ve heard stories of how passionate the fans can be.
“We need the fans, and they need to see us working hard to produce results.”
On his squad, Lampard was keen to express his pleasure of bringing in Alli and van de Beek, two players he believes will complement each other’s games.
Alli has received criticism from ex-players since his unveiling on Saturday, due to the clothes he was wearing.
But his new manager was quick to defend the 25-year-old.
“It’s very important we’re a tight unit, we’re glad to have him.
“I don’t care what clothes he wears, as long as he turns up to training every day to try and improve, everyone has their own personality.”
In injury news, Lampard gave updates on several players, including striker Calvert-Lewin, who will be in the squad for Tuesday’s match.
Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer also confirmed Ben Godfrey, who went off injured against Brentford, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Fabian Delph are all expected to be out for about four weeks.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle made four signings during the January transfer window, including record signing Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon.
Lampard said this transfer activity has made preparing for the match difficult.
“Eddie can be flexible, so we’ve got to be ready for a couple of eventualities.
“I look at them with interest to see how they develop as a team, which they have already made moves to do.”
