McNeil On Fitness Goals & Frustrations From Ipswich Draw

Dwight McNeil says he’s “happy to fit and healthy again” after reminding Everton fans of his quality on Saturday afternoon, scoring in his first start since December during a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town.

Beto had opened the scoring for the Toffees at Goodison Park in the penultimate fixture to be played at the Blues’ historic home.

McNeil then doubled the scoring inside the first half – a left-footed effort which wrong-footed goalkeeper Alex Palmer.

But the visitors fought back. Julio Enciso halved the deficit from distance before half-time, before George Hirst equalised on 79 minutes.

“I think we were in control right from the start,” McNeil told evertontv. “2-0 up at home. That's the place we wanted to be, and then they scored just before half-time, and we knew the start of the second half was going to be tricky, but I thought we controlled the game really well.

“And like I say, in this league, if you don't take your chances you're going to get punished, and that's what happened today.

“So, it's going to be a tough one to take because we wanted to finish the season on a strong note, especially at home.”

McNeil was named in the starting line-up for the first time in 2025 after recovering from a knee injury, which sidelined the winger for four months.

Reflecting on a difficult period, he says he’s delighted to have found fitness again.

"It's my first [long-term] injury and it's been so frustrating,” he explained. “It was just nice to be back out there with the lads, but it's going to be a tough one for me as well, because I want to win, I want to help the team win, and like I say, we were in the best position to do that, and again we conceded two goals, and we got punished.

“I've come through it okay, a bit tired towards the end, but I'm just happy that I'm fit and healthy again.”

Finding the back of the net for the first time since September, the 25-year-old produced a trademark effort, drilling a swerving ball from outside the penalty area to beat Palmer in the Tractor Boys’ goal.

“When I'm that far out, it's all about technique and connecting right,” said McNeil discussing the strike. “That's what I wanted to do with the ball, get the movement, and it’d have a chance of going in.

“Luckily it went in for me. So, it was nice to contribute again to the team, because I've missed that feeling for being out for so long, but I'd say for me, I'm more disappointed about not winning the game today.”

In two weeks’ time, Southampton will be the visitors to Goodison in what will be the final fixture at the Toffees’ historic stadium.

After a disappointing end to Saturday’s game, McNeil is even more keen to make sure the Blues earn a winning result in the last game.

“We wanted to finish on a high with two wins [at Goodison],” he added. “That was our goal, and like I say, we didn't get the job done today.

“Now, it makes the last one against Southampton even more important.”