Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed how Anthony Gordon has asked for an explanation over his Premier League omission.

Ancelotti said he 'loved' the fact that Gordon knocked on his door in a bid to find out what he needed to do in order to avoid missing out again.

Gordon was recalled to the side for the midweek cup tie with Salford City - where he impressed - but was then omitted from game with West Bromwich Albion at home.

"He wanted an explanation and so I explained to him the squad is really competitive and sometimes it can happen that the players are not involved," Ancelotti said.

"But this doesn't mean I don't believe in them.

"I believe and so he had the opportunity against Salford to show us his quality, he took the opportunity because he played really well.

"It can happen sometimes, also for important players, that players are not involved in the game. This is what can happen in all the competitive teams.

"The fact that we want to be competitive means that sometimes players have to stay out."

Ancelotti was then asked what he made of Gordon coming to ask him, and he replied: "I love, I love this. It means they are really interested to do a proper job."