Stanley Mills again stood out for Everton Under-21s in their Mini Merseyside Derby against Liverpool but the teenager might also possess a valuable commodity that could prove a valuable weapon in the Blues senior side’s bid to remain in the Premier League.
Fresh from sitting on the bench during the 3-1 home defeat to Fulham, Mills coolly struck his 13th goal in 18 games for Everton’s second string this term in their 1-1 draw at Southport’s Haig Avenue on Sunday. He’s not even a striker and as U21s boss Paul Tait pointed out – the sublime finish wasn’t even with his strongest foot.
Such a poacher’s instinct can be invaluable, especially for an Everton team that has netted just 24 times in 31 matches, the lowest total in the English football pyramid this term. It was a shame for the Blues that his team-mates were far less clinical as they spurned a series of big chances to extend their lead before eventually being forced to share the spoils with their local rivals but among the group – and with director of football Kevin Thelwell watching on as usual – Mills stood out as the one youngster who looks primed right now to take a step up.
