Everton boss Frank Lampard has explained holding back January signing Dele Alli.

Everton signed the former Tottenham midfielder on a 'free' transfer, with no upfront fee. But a series of appearance-based payments were agreed, which could see the Blues eventually pay Spurs £40m.

So far, the former Spurs man has failed to justify an eye-watering price tag, with a series of brief appearances from the bench, which have failed to inspire the Blues faithful.

But Lampard says, “I really have that massive belief in him as a player.

“So I don't think we have to panic, to rush. When we signed Dele I certainly saw it as a long term plan. At the moment he has contributed and he has to be patient and wait for his time to start.

“It's a shame he was cup tied, because the two FA Cup games would have offered a great chance to give him minutes, but it's just a matter of time, and being patient, and when he comes in delivering."

Lampard said he is perfectly happy that the midfielder has been in to speak about his desire to play more minutes for his new club.

“I think most players want to come and speak to you, and you expect that because most players have the desire to play," he said.

“With Dele and the other players I try to have a relationship where I pre-empt that at times and speak with them regularly. So those conversations are always open.

“If players aren't playing there is a reason for it and I would much rather they know and they can find a way of getting themselves into the team.

“Since Dele has been here I cannot question how he has trained every single day, so it will be working with myself and working on things he can improve on to be the player we want him to be.

“He has got huge talent, his attitude has been great, he has been available for four games and he has come on in all of those and made an impact. His time will absolutely come to start games."

His lack of starts will be questioned by many, given he left Tottenham in search of more game time. But Lampard believes his versatility will pay dividends in the end.

“He is versatile (so) can play in a midfield three as one of the more offensive No 8s. He came on against Manchester City in that position," he added.

“No 10 is his most natural position. Since I have been here because of injuries I have had to build a team formation and structure out of necessity.

“But I think Dele will find his way into those structures in different ways as we move forward."