Thierno Barry’s dream start to the season continued as he scored a hat-trick to help Everton into the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The forward opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he finished off a fine team move and added a second when he turned home Iliman Ndiaye’s cross in the 59th minute.

His hat-trick goal arrived 11 minutes later when he combined with Brennan Johnson, who made an instant impact off the bench.

Barry then turned provider when he teed up Johnson to score his first goal for the club to complete the rout.

FOLLOW THE CARABAO CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW HERE

Our man Connor O’Neill was at Deepdale, and below is how he rated the Everton players in the 4-0 win over Preston North End…

Jordan Pickford – 7

Had very little to do in the opening 45 minutes, but he produced a strong stop to deny Callum Lang midway through the second-half, who almost made an immediate impact off the bench.

Merlin Rohl – 7

Another brilliant performance from the German. Started at right-back before moving into midfield in the second-half. Comfortable on the ball and put a number of dangerous balls into the box.

James Tarkowski – 7

Solid if not spectacular. Made a vital block in the first-half, but was bailed out by team-mate Michael Keane after he presented Delano Burgzorg with an opportunity following a slip.

Michael Keane – 7

Another who has been solid if not spectacular. However, he did make a number of vital blocks and clearances at the start of the second-half when his side came under pressure.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 7

Played a key role in Barry’s opener and looked to get forward a lot more than he normally does.

James Garner – 7

Played like he has never been away. Came straight back in and picked up where he left off last season. Managed to play 64 minutes, handing David Moyes a selection headache going into Saturday’s game against Bournemouth.

Harrison Armstrong – 8

Getting better and better. A joy to watch. Offered a bit of everything and is so comfortable on the ball. Produced the sort of performance which showed why he is loved by both sets of supporters here.

Tyler Dibling – 6

Replaced just after the hour mark. Showed flashes during the first-half of what he can offer and went close when he hit the post. The truth is that he needs to do more if he is to become a guaranteed starter.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8

Another outstanding performance from someone who has very much become a key member of this team. Produced a moment of magic for his side’s first goal and another piece of brilliance for his side’s third of the night.

Iliman Ndiaye – 8

Another one who showed his class. Looked a step above. Helped create his side’s second goal and caused Preston all kinds of problems. It is vital that he remains at the club.

Thierno Barry – 9

The hat-tick hero! And the truth is that he could have scored even more. He took all three of his goals really well, they might not have been spectacular, but he was in the right place at the right time. A dream start to the season for the forward.

SUBS

Brennan Johnson (On for James Garner 64) – 8

Instant impact. A goal and an assist. A dream start to life at Everton..

Nathan Patterson (On for Tyler Dibling 64) – 7

Solid.

Charly Alcaraz (On for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 81) – N/A

Little impact on the game.

Tyrique George (On for Iliman Ndiaye 81) – N/A

Went close to scoring a fifth for his side.

Adam Aznou (On for Thierno Barry 82) – N/A

Another who was solid.