Pundit Andy Gray is delighted with the impact Conor Coady is making at Everton this season.

The veteran defender joined on a season-long loan deal from Wolves, which can be made permanent.

The ex-Liverpool prospect has hit the ground running under Frank Lampard at the Toffees.

Speaking on the Keys and Gray podcast, Gray said: “Everyone told me that Conor Coady can't play in a four. He is not quick enough. He is not mobile enough. He will get caught out. That was the school of thought that followed Conor Coady. At Wolves he played in a three, pretty much every game he played for them.

“Then he came here and started in a three and Frank changed that and I am so pleased that he has and I don't think it is a coincidence that Everton's results have got better. They haven't conceded goals. They have one of the best defences in the league, if not the best.

“It was a great decision and it just shows that Conor Coady can quite easily play in any back four."