Ronald Koeman EvertonGetty Images

I feel sorry for Ronald Koeman, says Everton’s Niasse

Everton striker Oumar Niasse has revealed he feels sorry for former boss Ronald Koeman despite all that transpired between them.

The Senegal international joined the Toffees in January 2016 but found playing time very hard to come by under the Dutchman who took over from Roberto Martinez in the summer.

And after he returned to Goodison Park following a successful loan spell at Hull City, the former Brann forward was frozen out of the squad by Koeman and demoted to the club’s U-23 side.

However, with the Merseyside outfit struggling in the Premier League this season and getting eliminated from the Uefa Europa League group phase with two games left, the former Ajax and Southampton manager was kicked out the door by the club.

 And the Terranga Lions' striker despite having to endure a difficult spell under Koeman admitted he was grateful to the ex-Netherlands international for reintegrating him back into the first team setup before his departure.

“I feel sorry for him [Koeman], what happened to him when the club got rid of him," Niasse told Sky Sports.

“Honestly, they were ready to let me go.

“I was ready also to go because I knew that it would be a difficult season if I stayed here but at the end I didn't go.

“I said thank you to him because he could have said 'no, you are staying with the U23s' but when I came back he brought me back to the team.

"That has allowed me to be here today."

Everton’s caretaker manager David Unsworth seems to have steadied the ship and last weekend’s dramatic win over Watford sees the Toffees leave the relegation zone and move up to 15th in the English topflight log.

And Niasse who has scored five goals in his last eight games across all competitions for Everton will be looking to continue his rejuvenation when they visit Selhurst Park to tackle Wilfried Zaha’s Crystal Palace on Saturday.

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