David Moyes has insisted he still wants more from Hayden Hackney before the midfielder becomes a regular at Everton.
Hackney produced his best performance in an Everton shirt so far during the club’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United, setting up James Garner’s opener before scoring his first goal in a blue shirt to double the lead.
The summer signing from Middlesbrough has had to be patient for his opportunity, and has started just once in the Premier League so far this season.
Despite an impressive outing, Moyes warned that the 24-year-old still has things to ‘learn’ before he’s established at Everton.
“I think he’s still learning, like many of the boys I’ve taken from the Championship. I think he’s still got a lot more to do,” Moyes said post-match.
“I thought he had some good moments, but he had some moments where I wanted a bit more from him. Obviously getting the goal, and bits of his play, were great, but there are other bits of it that I want him to improve on.”
Hackney hopeful that he ‘took chance’ after Newcastle win
Hackney was pleased to make his mark and described the win as a ‘special night’ after recent results. The midfielder discussed his need to remain patient and revealed areas of his game that he’s been working on.
“I’m always working on arriving in the box at the right time. It was a great ball from Barry, and I managed to put it in the corner.
“It was a great feeling to get my first goal for this amazing club and hopefully there’s many more to come.
“I’ve had a bit of time on the bench,” he added.
“The lads have been playing really well, so I can’t complain. I kept working hard and hopefully, I took my chance tonight. “
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