Everton are having a terrible season so far with numerous injury problems and poor performances all contributing to the difficult relegation battle they have found themselves in over the remaining weeks of the season.
Frank Lampard was brought in on Deadline Day to steady the ship after a series of shocking performances and lack of points on the board following a six and a half month stint with Rafa Benitez in charge at Goodison Park, but has struggled to inspire a run of good form since his arrival.
In the Premier League, the ex-Chelsea boss has managed eight, won two and lost six so far, as well as crashing out of the FA Cup to Crystal Palace last month missing out on a spot in the semi-final at Wembley, all of which is not ideal as Everton begin to run out of time to secure safety.
With that being said, the Blues boss should not take all the blame for the poor results he has racked up since he joined in January, as a number of players are failing to pull their weight, and one, in particular, has let the team down time and time again.
Michael Keane has scored two own goals that have led to defeat against Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspurs since the turn of the year, and most recently received his second yellow with a red card to follow in the defeat to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. Surely this has to be the final nail in the coffin for the calamitous centre-back.
The £19.8m-rated defender who was dubbed a "liability" by Trevor Sinclair, has also been criticised for his negative impact on the Everton team, with Paul Robinson telling Football Insider that Keane is part of a problem that is "costing Everton dearly."
At this point of the season Lampard really needs players he can rely on for the final push to make sure the Toffees stay inside the Premier League next season and when you look at Keane's erratic behaviour on the pitch alongside his countless mistakes there is absolutely no reason why moving forward Lampard should put up with it and as a result, should sell the defender at his earliest convenience.
The Toffees now have ten games left to save their season and ensure they are playing top flight football next season, but it won't be easy as they have a number of difficult fixtures ahead of them with Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea left to play, so picking up points against Burnley tonight at Turf Moor is an absolute must.