Dwight McNeil has opened up on the importance of getting Dominic Calvert-Lewin back fit and firing for the remainder of the campaign.   

The Everton winger spoke to the Liverpool ECHO ahead of Monday’s Boxing Day clash with Wolves, and also admitted he would welcome any January reinforcements as he believes healthy competition for places is good.  

“It is understandable because we do need to score goals and we need to win games,” McNeil said when asked about the Blues bringing in forward players next month.  

“But I think whoever comes in it is just healthy competition. We have got good players in the attacking force at the minute.  

“We know Dom is coming back as well from the injuries and upsets that he has had, and I think we are desperate for him to come back because we know how big a player he is for the team.  

“But I think at the end of the day, it is just healthy competition. Everyone wants to play but there are only a certain amount of players who can play. You have just got to focus on yourself and performances and results will come your way.” 

Meanwhile, Asmir Begovic is a summer transfer target for Rangers, according to a report in the Daily Record.  

The experienced goalkeeper arrived from Bournemouth in 2021 and has proven himself to be a quality understudy for Everton No.1 Jordan Pickford.   

However, he is out of contract with the Toffees at the end of the season.

Journalist Alex Crook is claiming Rangers want to sign Begovic as a replacement for first-choice shot-stopper Alan McGregor. The Scottish side may lose the 41-year-old at the end of this campaign after he opted to sign just a one-year extension in the summer.