Put your shades on

The future's bright!

Roberto Martinez believes many of Everton’s talented under-18s can force their way into the first-team picture next season.

Kevin Sheedy’s teenagers booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup on Monday night with a 2-0 over Sheffield United.

And Martinez is thrilled with their progress this year.

The Blues boss has described the players in the Academy as a ‘talented generation’ and wants to give them the chance to play at senior level.

Martinez says competition for places is vital and for all the excitement generated by summer signings, he can’t wait for the next batch of ‘Blue Boys’ to break through at Goodison Park.

Asked if supporters can expect to see players from the current U18 crop pushing for first-team football next season, Martinez said: “We will.

“They are a very talented generation and I want to create a real competitive edge in every position at the club.

“All the way from the ages of 16 through to 22 is a group we are going to pay a lot of attention to.

“We are going to give them what they need to develop as footballers and they will always have an opportunity as long as they apply themselves well and progress in the manner we expect at Everton. We are really excited about the players we have in-house.

“People speak about possible signings and targets, but I get excited about the young players we have here. They have an incredible future and every one of those players deserves huge credit for the way they perform on a daily basis."

Goals from Courtney Duffus and Gethin Jones sealed the U18s’ Youth Cup passage at Bramall Lane.

Sheedy’s troops will now face either Charlton Athletic or Arsenal in the last eight, with the London sides meeting on Friday night.

“I am really, really pleased and not just with them for getting results, which is important, but also to be able to go away from home and keep a clean sheet to help them through to the next round shows the mental strength and mentality that the group are working towards," added Martinez.

“I think we have real good talent there. The coaches are doing a real good job, as are all the Academy coaches in general, and it is important that they carry on their development and fulfilling their potential because it is going to be an incredible part of our future first-team recruitment.

Martinez delight at Blues U18s reaching FA Youth Cup quarter-finals :


“So I am really excited with the way the youngsters are playing and the way they are getting developed.

“They are very privileged as youngsters because they have a very good support team around them and the experience we have in those positions is going to be vital.

“When you see them performing in the manner they have been doing and the way they did on Monday night, it is a real feeling of pride for everyone at the club."

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