Everton: Frank Lampard is ‘excited’ to have Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek

Frank Lampard has spoken of his happiness at bringing Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek to Everton as the newly-appointed manager prepares for his first game in charge.

Lampard will be in the dugout for the Toffees’ FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Brentford on Saturday, following his appointment on a two-and-a-half year deal on Monday afternoon.

The 43-year-old joined the Goodison Park outfit on deadline day of the January transfer window and with just hours left of it he acted fast to sign Alli from Tottenham and acquire Van de Beek on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester United.

Frank Lampard says he is ‘excited’ that Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek have joined Everton

Van de Beek (left) and Alli both joined Everton on transfer deadline day of the January window

And speaking about their qualities, the former Chelsea boss said he can’t wait to work with the midfield pair on a regular basis.

‘It’s a fresh slate for Dele Alli but we also have to push him to extract what’s there. I just have to find the right environment for him. I’m very excited to have him and Donny,’ Lampard said in his first press conference.

‘Alli is a versatile player who can get involved in build-up play. It’s nice to manage someone who occupies similar areas of the field to myself.

‘A player like Donny is someone who can link play. Slightly different to what we have. Dele also has his own versatile nature.’

The pair are cup-tied against the Bees on Saturday, having both played in the third round for Tottenham and United, and Lampard will also be without the sting that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin can provide due to injury.

‘Dominic picked up a small knock so he won’t be available,’ Lampard revealed.

‘We hope he can be back for the games coming up.’

Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss the Toffees’ FA Cup clash with Brentford due to a ‘small knock’

Lampard is returning to frontline management a year after leaving Chelsea and is proud to have been given an opportunity by Everton.

Lampard said: ‘In the short term, the job is to try to improve the league position – and in the long term, it is clear this is a club with huge ambition, huge history, a huge fanbase.

‘There is a lot of work to be done but I’m very proud to be given this opportunity.’

Lampard feels he has been given a warm welcome by all connected to the club.

He said: ‘I was very thankful for the messages of support and general support.

‘I don’t expect universal support – people have their own opinions – but I’m thankful. At the same time, I hope people see how I have a work ethic and how I am going to embrace this job.’

Lampard was named as Everton’s new manager on Monday, signing a two-and-a-half year deal