Calvert-Lewin accepts burden of firing Everton to safety after return to fitness
Dominic Calvert-Lewin insists he is ready to shoulder the responsibility of firing Everton to Premier League safety after taking the “shackles off”.
The striker made his third successive start since injury at Leicester where he scored his second goal of the season after earning and converting a penalty.
It was his first 90 minutes since January and his powerful all-round performance delighted Toffees boss Sean Dyche. The draw leaves Everton 19th with four games left ahead of Monday’s trip to Brighton.
The Premier League relegation battle could hardly be tighter but confident Calvert-Lewin insists he is ready to take responsibility. Calvert-Lewin, 26, who joined Everton in 2016 from Sheffield United, responded: “I have been shouldering it for a while.
“I know what it means to wear the No.9 shirt and play for Everton and lead the line. I have done it for the last three-four years now so it is nothing new to me. I accept the challenge and enjoy the expectation.”
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Calvert-Lewin looks to finally be back with a bang after overcoming a troubling hamstring injury that had kept him out for more than two months.
He admits his desire to help the club saw him return too soon in February. Fans then subsequently questioned his commitment as he endured an injury-hit campaign last term too.
But the striker is pleased Dyche gave him the time he needed to get himself properly ready for first team action.
He explained: “When you take so many set-backs and can’t play, it can become a mental game to take the shackles off and trust your body to be free.
Dyche has carefully managed Calvert-Lewin's return (Leicester City FC via Getty Imag)Will Everton stay up? Have your say in the comments.
“I have been in that cycle and in all fairness to the manager, he has given me time to get back to a point where I feel happy within my body.
“Whereas previously I think I have rushed back - maybe from my own fault of wanting to get back too quick and help the team. This time I have had to be patient which has been difficult because I am not a patient person.
“But I am grateful for the manager for giving me that time to be able perform freely like at Leicester.”
Calvert-Lewin, who has 11 England caps, converted from 12 yards opposite the away fans after being bundled over by Timothy Castagne early on.
The forward added: “I’ve missed it so much, it’s why I play football - for the sheer emotion and my love of the game and the fans’ love of the game. There is no better feeling than scoring a goal and celebrating in front of the fans. I have missed that.”
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Despite taking the lead, Everton needed a second half equaliser from Alex Iwobi after Leicester hit back. But the point could come at a cost after skipper Seamus Coleman was stretchered off with a serious knee injury.
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