Everton coach David Unsworth is full of praise for forgotten striker Oumar Niasse.

Niasse was a surprise inclusion for the Everton U21s side to face EFL Trophy opponents Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night, but scored both goals as the match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

The Blues lost a penalty shootout 5-4 to miss the chance of an extra point, but still progressed to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in their four seasons of involvement.

"Oumar was always going to play in this game," Unsworth told the Liverpool Echo.

"I can't speak highly enough of him, he was outstanding.

"He's an infectious character. People have tough times in football but it's how you respond, and he responds positively. He was a handful.

"I can't even tell you when his last 90 minutes was. For him to last the game in itself was unbelievable and shows his fitness levels are so high."

He added: "He might play one or two games (in the future), but we'll discuss that with Oumar.

"We'll pick and choose, if he feels like he needs a game we'll come to some agreement."