Martinez: We have 6 young players who could make the first team
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has laid down the gauntlet to 6 young academy players who he wants to see take the next step and progress into the Everton first team squad.
Martinez wants to see Tyias Browning, Luke Garbutt, Conor McAleny, John Lundstram, Chris Long and Matthew Kennedy in and around the first team for training and see if they can adapt like John Stones and Ross Barkley before them.
“We want to bring in four more players,” said Martinez. “But, if I’m honest with you, we have five young players whose programme we’ve been following closely since we set them out 12 months ago.
“We’ve been trying to develop them and they deserve an opportunity.
“We want to see how they react in the first team, how close they are to being ready – like John Stones and Ross Barkley were last season.
“And then we will make the final decisions.
“We’ve got Tyias Browning, we’ve got Luke Garbutt, Conor McAleny, John Lundstram, even Chris Long to an extent, and Matthew Kennedy.
“We need to see if they are ready to help the team and if they are ready to be a part of it.”
Martinez added: “As a young player you need one opportunity. That’s all you need and that’s all you want.
“Sometimes in football you need to be in the right place at the right time.
“We want players to have the attitude that they are ready for their opportunity and I’m excited to see the fruition of many years work with these players.”
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Any sign of George Green?
Too young at the moment mate and had a long time out last season.