SEAN Dyche revealed he contacted his former centre back Michael Keane last season to reassure him after a difficult start to life with Everton.

The England international left Burnley for Merseyside in 2016 for £30m but under Ronald Koeman the Toffees struggled and Keane’s form was affected.

The 25-year-old lost his place in the Three Lions squad and was not included in Gareth Southgate’s party for the World Cup in Russia.

But under new Everton boss Marco Silva, Keane appears to have rediscovered the form that made him a standout player for the Clarets and Dyche is pleased to see the ex-Manchester United man back to his best.

“I spoke to Keano a couple of times last year,” said Dyche. “I don’t bother players I’ve worked with all the time, but I think he had a bit off a tough time, I said, ‘look, keep doing what you’re doing, you know you’re a good player’ little things really.

“He was a fantastic player for us, brilliant pro. I wish him well, apart from Boxing Day!

“I hope he doesn’t play that well, but I’m pleased to see him doing well again.

“It’s tough, it was a big move, he came to us a bit under the radar, and certainly wasn’t when he left us, for a lot of money.

“A lot of players went in at that time, and it didn’t quite mould as quickly as possible.

“I think that can affect players, but I’ve seen a few of their performances and he’s doing really well.”