Tyler Dibling’s progression at Everton hailed as he shines in win over Wolves

The 20-year-old was named man of the match in the 1-0 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Wolves after comfortably his best performance of a stuttering first 13 months to his Toffees career.

He provided the assist for Charly Alcaraz to score three minutes after coming on but his overall display was more akin to what Everton were expecting when they signed him for an initial £35million from Southampton.

“Since he came back for pre-season he looks like he belongs here, he looks more comfortable,” said Irvine.

“He is a very quiet lad and it can sometimes take young lads time to settle in, especially at a club like this with the expectation so that was probably difficult for him last year.

“I said to him before the game ‘You’ve been waiting patiently – or impatiently – and you’ve now got your chance and now you must take that opportunity. Make sure the manager has a tough decision to make for the next game’ and he’s done that.

“You saw a little moment of that acceleration he has got and he doesn’t show enough of those moments and he needs to be doing more.

“I’ve spent a bit of time with Tyler and Tyrique (George) this pre-season trying to get them to contribute more than previously and there are certainly signs that is coming.”

Alcaraz is something of a forgotten man having previously played just 14 minutes this season but with a thin squad everyone will need to contribute.

“Absolutely thrilled for Charly. He trains well every day, he is massively disappointed whenever he is not in the team, as you’d want players to be,” Irvine added.

“When he’s had his chance tonight he got the goal and everybody is delighted for him.”

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto did not regret making nine changes.

“I think we did a good game, we competed against a strong Premier League team. I think today a lot of young players did a great job,” said the Portuguese, who revealed Raul Jimenez’s knee injury would rule him out of Sunday’s Black Country derby with West Brom.

“I’m happy with the job today but not with the result.”