Football
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Ronald Koeman unsurprised by 'professional' Romelu Lukaku

Everton manager Ronald Koeman praised the professionalism of Romelu Lukaku after the striker scored twice in the 4-0 win over 10-man Hull.

Earlier in the week, the Belgium international told the club he would not be signing a new £140,000-a-week contract that would make him the best-paid player in their history as he questioned whether they had the ability to reach the Champions League.

However, there was no doubting his commitment to the cause on the pitch after his 20th and 21st goals of the season and become the first Everton player to reach that tally since Gary Lineker in 1985-86. Lukaku has now scored in seven successive home matches and has nine in his last six games.

"You are surprised about this?" Koeman said when asked about Lukaku's performance. "He is a professional and every professional gives the best for the club, the players, for everybody.

"It was difficult for him but when he got more space he played well. When it was 11 against 10 and we know he gets those kinds of chances he will score."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first goal for the club, in only his sixth Premier League appearance, gave Everton an eighth-minute lead but it was not until substitute Enner Valencia added the second, after Tom Huddlestone was sent off for a high tackle on Idrissa Gana Gueye, that the result was secured.

A calf injury to Morgan Schneiderlin means the influential midfielder is likely to miss the Merseyside derby at Anfield immediately after the international break.

"I am a little bit worried he will be out for several weeks but we need to wait for the scan to know what happened," Koeman, who felt Huddlestone's dismissal was "harsh" added.

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