Deserved to have the ability to endear? (6)

I believe the answer is:

earned

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'deserved' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'have the ability to endear?' is the wordplay.
'endear' can be anagrammed to 'EARNED'.
But, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earned that I've seen before include "Worked for and gained" , "Neared (anag.)" , "Obtained through work" , "well deserved" , "Merited through behaviour" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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