IT’S MY LAST ROLL OF THE DYCE

Unsworth: Big Sam links make Lyon & Watford games Cup finals for me

DAVID UNSWORTH has two cup finals to claim the Everton job – with the club already lining up alternatives.

The caretaker manager brought his squad to Lyon trying to produce a miracle and revive their Europa League hopes as principal owner Farhad Moshiri had talks with Sam Allardyce about taking over.

And that means Unsworth has only the two matches before the international break to find a winning formula or Moshiri will appoint a replacement.

Contact was made with Allardyce, leading to informal talks over whether he would accept a role until the end of the season. Former Chelsea caretaker Guus Hiddink has also been sounded out.

So Unsworth knows only an encouraging performance here and a win against Watford on Sunday will keep alive his dream of becoming permanent boss.

Asked about Big Sam and whether the next two games are crucial to his hopes, the former Under-23s coach was honest in his response.

“Probably,” he said. “But that doesn’t scare me, because I know the game and I know that in the end you will be judged.

“So I want to win the game, I want to perform and Sunday’s massive as well. Sunday’s a cup final for me. I want the players to play it like a cup final.

“Performances have improved, certainly second half against Leicester – but within those performances, you’ve got to try to dig out some results.”

There is still a feeling at the club that Unsworth (below, leading Wayne Rooney in training) should get a chance to press his claims, so no definite decision has been taken regarding Allardyce.

But the board would be accused of negligence if they did not have a Plan B should the disappointing performance against Leicester be repeated in Lyon or against Watford.

Moshiri would like a bigname boss and an approach was made to former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, while Carlo Ancelotti was also discussed.

But he also accepts a manager of that quality is rarely available mid-season and an interim may be required to give breathing space until the summer – which is where Allardyce comes in.

Unsworth is aware of the speculation, saying: “I’ve not picked up a newspaper – I haven’t had time, honestly! I’ve heard certain things, but it’s a top job and I’m not surprised by whoever is linked with it.”