Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has urged fans not to give up on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The striker has experienced an injury-plagued last two seasons.

Ferguson told the Liverpool Echo: "He's had a real tough run, hasn't he? A real tough run. He's a wonderful player, and when he is healthy, he scores goals, and if Everton can get him fit and healthy, believe me, he will score goals.

"He's a great player who is dedicated, and I know he has tried absolutely everything to keep himself healthy. I know that for a fact.

"He's been working through the summer to make sure he gets himself right, and if Everton can keep him healthy and fit, he will score a lot of goals; there is no question about that.

"They have absolutely missed him. They have not been able to replace him, and he is a big miss for them.

"Any manager will tell you that you need goals in your team if you are to win any game of football, and Everton have struggled to do that and win games at home.

"A large part of that is because they have not had the main man up there. Dominic is the main man when he is fit. I know for a fact that he is trying everything to be fit for that team."

Ferguson also revealed: "I speak to Dominic now and again. I was with him a couple of months ago in London. He's a lovely man, and I love being with him.

"We had a great relationship, and he is obviously missing me, isn't he? He's not quite been the same since I left.

"Dominic is a great kid, and he will be back banging in the goals if he gets back on that pitch, and that will be the big thing for Everton this year."