Journalist Dean Jones has claimed Everton will avoid relegation this season thanks to the “massive threat” of Dwight McNeil on the wing.

What’s the latest on Dwight McNeil at Everton?

While the season had looked destined for disaster under former boss Frank Lampard, new manager Sean Dyche has steadied the ship with back-to-back home wins in the Premier League.

McNeil has started all three of Dyche’s games in charge – which include wins over Arsenal and Leeds United and a defeat at Liverpool – and even provided an assist in one game.

And while the club are still not out of the woods when it comes to relegation, Jones has boldly predicted that the 23-year-old winger has enough quality to help the club avoid the drop.

Speaking on Chasing Green Arrows, the insider said: “We’ve seen already that McNeil’s deliveries are a massive threat in this team. Now, the deliveries don’t always have the preciseness that they might need, but they’re going to.

“Like, once he’s right, when his radar is fully tuned in, it’s hard to beat. And I think Dwight McNeil in the rest of this season is going to be a major part as to why Everton end up staying up.” Can McNeil help Everton avoid relegation?

It’s quite the call considering McNeil has exactly had the most incredible start to life with Everton. Indeed, he has two assists and two goals in 24 appearances across all competitions in his debut season.

However, he may be given a boost as he is now working with his former boss. Indeed, the duo worked together at Burnley and Dyche has coached the winger 142 times – so he’ll certainly be familiar with his manager’s tactics and style of play.

In that period, McNeil scored seven goals and provided 18 assists, so he’s not exactly prolific but is a steady performer and if he can kick on at his new club, perhaps he can be key in helping the Toffees pick up vital wins.

As things stand, Everton are two places and one point above the bottom three so there’s plenty of work still to do when it comes to avoiding relegation.

But perhaps the ex-Burnley duo can help salvage the season.