Everton boss Sean Dyche heaps praise on ‘old-school’ Ashley Young following veteran’s return to form after poor start to the season

Sean Dyche has said today’s generation could learn from ‘old-school’ Ashley Young who has returned to form aged 39 following a dodgy start to the season.

Young was pensioned off by some fans after getting a red card on the opening day against Brighton and missing the crucial penalty which saw Everton knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Southampton.

However, with Dyche short of defenders, Young has been a mainstay of the team’s recent improvement which sees them face Fulham on Saturday having taken eight points from four games.

‘Ashley’s not short of wealth. He could easily have walked away in the summer but told me he still that had edge and wanted to play,’ revealed Dyche, who gave the former England international his debut at Watford 21 years ago.

‘I think he naturally gets about his business. He’s got a great old-school thing about him, he’s very modern to look after himself, but he just gets out there and does it.

39-year-old Young has returned to form for Everton following a dodgy start to the season

‘Players nowadays, with 15 rubs and 14 different tie-ups and 57 stretches, he just runs out there for training like “Come on, let’s go”. That’s brilliant and I love that.

‘I wish those days were back more often. Some routines are valid and some I think, do you really need that to train?!

‘Ashley is here again, filling holes, playing different positions and certainly in the last few games, done very well.

‘I’ve known him for many moons and didn’t have to worry about the criticism he was getting. That’s just modern life. I don’t think it’s ideal for players, but it’s the way it goes.

‘I think his professionalism, and Michael Keane, has been outstanding since I’ve been at the club

‘They just continue to get out there and play hard, work hard. All the things you want from proper professionals, and they certainly are proper professionals.’

Pressure on Dyche has eased with Everton climbing up the table and anticipation about new owners coming in next month, though the Blues boss stresses he’s not yet met Dan Friedkin who is set to take over.

Young has been a mainstay of the team’s recent improvement after a winless start 

Everton should be boosted by the return of Jarrad Branthwaite this weekend. The defender has played only once this season because of injury but is ready after a full week’s training.

‘We’ve tried to change the storyline from early in the season,’ said Dyche.

;There has always seemed to be that cloud waiting over Everton. We have had strong spells of pushing it away and it comes back.

‘We are showing signs of coming through it. It’s not a given we can take on the world but we are showing we are capable and can win games in the Premier League.’