Everton manager David Moyes has spoken out about Jack Grealish being dropped for their Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle over "a breach of club discipline"

David Moyes says he backs Everton's decision to axe Jack Grealish from the squad ahead of a Carabao Cup win over Newcastle. The former England winger was dropped due to "a breach of club discipline".

The on-loan Manchester City winger's absence raised eyebrows during the 3-1 victory over the Mapgies at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Everton confirming he was "unavailable for selection due to a breach of club discipline." The 31-year-old - who in the past has been known for his partying away from the pitch - had already sat out the Toffees' 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last Saturday through illness.

It's believed the ex-£100m British transfer record signing then failed to turn up for a training session. A social media post from the club before the game on Thursday read: "Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined for a second successive game due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection due to a breach of club discipline."

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However, the situation remained shrouded in mystery as Moyes chose to keep his cards close to his chest after Thursday's 3-1 victory, reports the Mirror.

The Everton boss said: "I'm not going to give any details and it's a club decision and I support the decision. I don't want to go into details."

When pressed on whether he felt disappointed by Grealish, whom he's backed since his loan switch from City last term, Moyes responded: "It is something I don't want to speak too much about."

The Everton chief was then probed about whether Grealish would feature in Monday night's league trip to St James' Park against Newcastle. "I wouldn't give any team news away," he answered.

Goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry had Everton coasting into the next round of the cup before Dan Burn grabbed a late consolation for the Magpies. Moyes' remarks about the display appeared to hint at the Grealish situation.

"The one thing about Everton is that they have got real good values, all the players stand behind it and accept the values, on the pitch and off the pitch," he said. "I think the players did a good job tonight, it is a small squad but we are doing our best to keep challenging."

Grealish, who is in the final year of his £300,000-a-week City contract, is currently serving his second consecutive loan spell at Everton. He has clocked up eight appearances across all competitions this season without managing a single goal or assist.

Last term he chipped in with two goals and six assists in 22 outings for the Toffees, and Moyes has recently made his expectations of the winger crystal clear.

"I think Jack knows what I expect now," he said. "We had lots of conversations last year. He knows when he comes here there is an opportunity for him to play and to show what he can do.

"But I also want him to be a senior professional and a role model. We've got Tyrique and Tyler and if ever you are looking at somebody for how to play as a wide player, Jack Grealish would certainly be one of them.

"I think both of them could learn an awful lot from Jack and I want him to become that senior citizen amongst them, somebody who teaches them.

"I think we've got a mature Jack Grealish now as well in terms of understanding the game and what is required, being a team player – not that he is an individual but he plays with an individual style."