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Marco Silva has challenged Dominic Calvert-Lewin to prove he can become Everton's first-choice striker.

The 21-year-old headed home Lucas Digne's cross to cut Man City's lead in half at the Etihad on Saturday for his third league goal of the season.

It would prove in vain as Pep Guardiola's side re-established their advantage three minutes later but Calvert-Lewin impressed as the lone frontman on a tough afternon for Silva's side.

The England under-21 international now holds a better goals-to-minutes ratio of any forward in the Everton squad, with one league strike coming every 160 minutes which puts him just ahead of top scorer Richarlison, who scores once every 161 minutes.

Silva says he “believes” in Calvert-Lewin and has asked the young hitman to show he is good enough to lead the line every week.

“He has to keep working like he is working, keep improving and show to me more desire and the desire to be our first-choice and be ready like he showed on Saturday afternoon,” Silva said.

“He's a striker with big, big conditions in my opinion. He is a young player and we have to show some patience with him as well but he is a player we believe in as a club and I believe in as a player.

“In his moments he has his chances like this afternoon and he has to show this.

“He scored once and has a fantastic chance to score a second goal as well. We have to support him and, sometimes, the strikers need the team to create for them.”