Everton manager Frank Lampard has spoken of his excitement with a number of players the Everton academy are currently producing. And, the boss admitted that one particular youth star could have an outside chance of involvement against West Ham United on Sunday.
Anthony Gordon has enjoyed a breakout season this term after completing an impressive rise through the ranks at Finch Farm, and has now started every match under Lampard. But it's not just the winger that the new manager has been impressive with in terms of academy products since he has joined.
A number of under-23s regulars have been spotted in first-team training over the course of recent weeks. The senior manager loves being able to bring them into the setup and has praised their previous coaching and attitude when given their opportunity.
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Lampard admitted: "I'm excited and I love the young players training with us, they all do it because they deserve to be here.
"Dobs [Lewis Dobbin] has trained really well since I first came in. It's a shame for him that he's in a part of the pitch where we do have a lot of numbers so it's been hard for him to get minutes. But he has trained at a really high level.
"Stanley Mills has trained really well, I know his dad! He's trained really well, ad with a great attitude and with a lot of ability as well. He's one who's come in and impressed all of us with all parts of himself.
"Isaac Price I've been really, really impressed with. In terms of him as a midfield player, he's got everything.
"Kyle John, Sean McAllister...it is great and I love to work with the young players. They bring a new found energy to training, they come in with good respect, you can see that they've been well coached and managed by our academy and their families - because they're all coming in with a good attitude and keeping their level high.
"It's been pleasing. If they show enough and if the time comes, they'll get their chance."
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Everton have some absences to be aware of in midfield ahead of their clash with West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, with Allan suspended and Fabian Delph not yet fully fit. That could open the door for Price to be involved, with the manager saying he would certainly deserve a place in the squad if it were handed to him.
Lampard concluded: "There's a potential that Isaac will be in the travelling squad and could be on the bench. He absolutely deserves it."
