Keane keeps Everton in race for Champions League

MICHAEL KEANE maintained in- form Everton’s Champions League challenge after a 2- 1 win at Wolves.

The defender’s second- half header lifted the Toffees back into the Premier League’s top four.

Ruben Neves cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s first league goal for 17 months as the teams traded early blows.

But Keane’s far- post header secured victory, although Neves hit the woodwork with a late free- kick, to leave Carlo Ancelotti’s side back in the European picture.

Wolves have now won just once in eight league games since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull at the end of November and they dropped to 14th.

Everton were robbed of 14- goal Dominic Calvert- Lewin with the striker out with a hamstring injury but Iwobi eased concerns over his absence after just six minutes.

James Rodriguez’s measured pass found Lucas Digne and his cushioned volley was met by the onrushing and unmarked Iwobi to produce a first- time finish from 16 yards into the bottom corner, but they were ahead for just eight minutes.

Tom Davies conceded a soft corner which Yerry Mina only half cleared and Rayan AitNouri skipped down the left. His drilled cross was volleyed in by Neves for his second goal in two league games.

Neves was close to a spectacular second when his 30- yard volley dipped just wide with 20 minutes left but the hosts never prised Everton open.

With 13 minutes left, Andre Gomes worked space on the left and his teasing cross was powered in at the far post by the England defender.

Neves’ free- kick then clipped the bar with five minutes to go but Wolves could not find a leveller.