Everton starlet Francis Okoronkwo could be set for a big opportunity to impress in the second half of the season.
The Under-21s are braced to lose prolific striker Tom Cannon - either to the first team or a loan deal. But those at Finch Farm believe they have another promising teenager ready to step into his boots in the talented Okoronkwo.
The second year scholar changed the game when he was introduced for the U21s against Lincoln City, picking up a goal and an assist as he pulled the young Blues back into contention. It was the latest impressive contribution from the 18-year-old, who was signed from Sunderland last year.
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Everton were trailing 1-0 at Sincil Bank on Tuesday night when Okoronkwo was introduced at half-time. Minutes later he had levelled with a composed back post finish from Cannon's cross and then turned provider - playing Cannon through on goal for the Blues' second.
Paul Tait's side ultimately lost 4-2, but Okoronkwo's role was one of several positives Tait took from the Papa John's Trophy defeat. He told the ECHO he changed things around at half-time to provide more support for Cannon and Okoronkwo obliged. Tait said: "Frankie was excellent. You bring the subs on and you want them to make an impact, especially the front players, and he certainly did that."
Should Cannon progress in the new year, as expected, Okoronkwo is likely to take on more prominence and Tait is confident he has the ability to take on the added responsibility. He said: "He's someone that we really like at the club... he is hopefully going to be a big player for us in the next four or five months and longer term.
"We really like Frankie, he's got real potential. He's got lots to do - he's not the finished article. He's got real physical attributes but he is also really technical so he can handle the ball and he's a number nine, a really good number nine, he can run behind, he can link into feet. There are still bits he needs to do better at, which he is working on, but he's working hard so he's got a chance at getting better at those things."
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