“Without a doubt. They will have to continue and keep working and improving and not get disheartened if the opportunity doesn't come as they see it after Australia and going forward. The more they train and the better they train then they will get opportunities.”
Christmas feels far longer than just four months ago in the world of Everton, with those words being Frank Lampard’s response to a question from the ECHO about the potential for several of the club’s youngsters to break into first team contention. The Blues had enjoyed a positive trip to Australia during the World Cup break, with Isaac Price, Tom Cannon and Stanley Mills each among a talented crop of youngsters looking to become the latest to emerge under the guidance of the former England star. All three did get chances, but Everton’s worsening predicament limited opportunity before Lampard’s departure.
Sean Dyche is keen to point out his role in bringing Dwight McNeil through to the Burnley first team despite his youth and is helping Finch Farm graduate Ellis Simms develop following his recall from a loan deal with Sunderland. Chances may come once he has learnt more about his youth stars and if the pressure decreases before the end of the season. But for now he is yet to name any of the group who broke through during the Sydney Super Cup in a matchday squad. With one of them, Price, looking likely to end his 12 year association with Everton this summer, this is how those youngsters have fared since the trip Down Under.
