Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in contention for the Everton game with Aston Villa after completing his rehabilitation plan

Sean Dyche is using Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s performance against Brighton and Hove Albion as the benchmark for the striker’s return.

The forward played a crucial role in the shock 5-1 win that enabled Everton to stay in control of its own destiny back in May.

It was the 26-year-old who created Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first minute opener and his movement and presence helped his teammates carve open the defence of a side that went on to qualify for Europe.

For Dyche the display was one of Calvert-Lewin’s most impressive since he was appointed Blues boss in late January. It is the fitness levels that underpinned that performance – which saw Calvert-Lewin act as a talisman for the team and spearhead for the attack – that Dyche is hoping his star man can soon get back to.

Calvert-Lewin missed out on the opening day defeat to Fulham but, after playing against Manchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week, is in contention for the squad that will face Aston Villa on Sunday.

In his pre-Villa press confere

Asked about Calvert-Lewin’s progress, Dyche said: “We know when Dom is fully fit what a player he can be. I think we had a couple of games last season when we looked at him and thought: ‘OK, this is where he can be.’ Brighton was one, he was robust, fit, overall strong in his performance. That was probably the most when I saw him looking right, so that’s where we want to get him back to.

nce Dyche said Calvert-Lewin had now completed his rehabilitation programme. Dyche has been keen not to rush Calvert-Lewin’s recovery from his latest injury, a hamstring issue suffered at Wolverhampton Wanderers late last season. Data, Calvert-Lewin’s opinions and work on the training ground are all playing a role in the attempt to make this recovery a sustainable one after two seasons of misfortune with injury.

“Then on the back of that, we’ll look at where he goes from there on his performance levels. Certainly, a couple of years ago, before he had these on and off injuries, he was playing really well, so we want to get him back there. It starts with true fitness and once we get him back there, your mind eases, you become more confident in your body and that allows you to play freer and that’s where we will try and take him to.”

Also key to Calvert-Lewin’s success will be the input of others – Everton’s priority in the remaining weeks of the transfer window is to find a striker with the experience and ability to reduce his workload, and the burden on his shoulders. Acknowledging this, Dyche said: “It’s no surprise to anyone that we have been looking for options up front within the camp and outside the camp, that’s standard of course, every Premier League club is looking for that.”

Attention has turned to Che Adams, the Southampton striker. Everton are in talks over the forward, who has scored twice during the Championship season so far, and have submitted a bid in the region of £12m.

Ex-Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre, while speaking to Bettingexpert (h/t he Express) has urged the Manchester United manager to snub their interest in Everton midfielder Amadou Onana and stick with Scott Mctominay.

United are still in the market to sign a central midfielder before the transfer window closes and while there have been talks of interest in Everton’s Onana, no formal approach has yet been made.

Silvestre believes that United should not go for Onana and put some trust in Mctominay and says that the profiles of the two players are quite similar.

 “I understand why, profile-wise, this is a player they are looking for. But when you have Scott McTominay, I don’t see what Onana will add to United if you want to step up and challenge for the title.

He’s not a player United should be chasing. Physically, he and McTominay (26) have the same profile, and it’s not an upgrade, so I don’t think it makes sense unless you’re looking for back-up.”