Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals common ‘misconception’ about ‘calm’ Duncan Ferguson – but still fears hairdryer treatment from Everton caretaker manager

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed Everton caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson isn’t always the hardman that everyone talks about.

‘Big Dunc’, known for his ferocious personality as a player and most recently his wild antics on the touchline during his first interim spell at Goodison Park, is back in the Toffees hot-seat following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.

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Many hope Ferguson’s passion will inspire an upturn in results, starting with the visit of Aston Villa this Saturday - live on talkSPORT.

However, Everton star striker Calvert-Lewin, following in Ferguson’s footsteps as a fan favourite up front, insists there is a quieter side to his predecessor.

“It’s a bit of a misconception,” the England forward told talkSPORT, in an exclusive interview with Trevor Sinclair.

“He’s still got that in him. But it’s not every day on the training ground that he’s like that.

“It’s something that keeps you on your toes and keeps you on edge. He’s cool, calm and collected in the way that he approaches the training pitch.

“But to know that if you step out of line, or you’re not doing something properly or you’re not working, that you will get the hairdryer.

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“I’m happy to say that I’ve never fully had it and I hope I never do!”

Calvert-Lewin added: “He’s just got a way of captivating players and rubbing off on them. His passion and love for the club definitely rubs off on players and that’s one of his biggest traits.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him on the touchline again and making him proud, repaying him for everything he’s done for me in my career so far.”

Following a bright start to the season, a serious injury kept Calvert-Lewin on the sidelines for four months - and hindsight would suggest it derailed Everton’s season.

When asked if his absence might’ve cost Benitez his job, the striker said: “Possibly. Hindsight is a beautiful thing. We started the season really well and I was scoring.

“For me to get injured at that point was really difficult and I think a large part of his tactics was to play to me - and he lost that.”

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Calvert-Lewin did return for Benitez’s final two games, but did not manage to find the net in defeats to Brighton and Norwich.

But the striker insists it was never fair to expect instant goals upon his return.

“I’m feeling good now,” he said. “I’ve been training consistently and it’s good to get two 90 minutes under my belt.

“I think it’s the first time in my career that I’ve gone through a period like this and you can underestimate how long four or five months is.

“It can take a few sessions to start getting your mojo back a little bit. Everyone was hoping and praying that I’d come back in and start scoring hat-trick after hat-trick, but that’s not been the case.

“But I believe that I’m getting there and I’m looking forward to the Villa game on the weekend and scoring.”