Fraser Hornby says his move from midfield to a striking role has been key to his impressive development at Everton.

The 18-year-old Scot has enjoyed a breakthrough year at the Club. Having started the 2017/18 campaign in the Under-18s set-up, his consistently impressive performances meant he was soon promoted to the Toffees’ Under-23s.

By the end of the season, the powerful frontman had become a key figure for David Unsworth’s side – establishing himself as the focal point of the young Blues attack.

Hornby’s impressive displays also saw him handed first-team debut as Everton beat Apollon Limassol 3-0 in a Europa League clash in December, where the teenager led the line with a maturity far beyond his years.

Having joined the Club from Northampton Town in 2014 as a midfielder, his physicality, finishing ability and impressive link-up play has seen him develop into a talented number nine.

Hornby credits Under-18s boss Paul Tait for seeing his potential as a centre-forward.

“Football-wise, in my later years here Paul has been a massive influence on my career,” said Hornby.

“I came to the Club as a midfielder and it was only last year when he saw my instinct for goal and pushed me forward as a striker and I think I’ve done alright so far.

“Over the past year, I think my heading has really come on. I’ve always been a good header of the ball and since I’ve been a striker it’s something I’ve had to use more. I’ve always had an eye for a goal, too, even since I was young, so I think moving me to striker was a good option.”

Hornby’s progression was recognised at the Club’s Academy awards in May. He won the prestigious Keith Tamlin Award, which is named after the Club’s Vice Life President and honours a player for their “excellence, attitude and application” during their time in the Academy.

He has also recently shone for Scotland’s Under-21 side in the Toulon Tournament, as Scot Gemmill’s side reached the semi-finals of the competition.

The Scots were knocked out by eventual tournament winners England in the last four, with the Young Lions squad possessing four Everton players – Tom Davies, Callum Connolly, Jonjoe Kenny and Kieran Dowell.

Hornby believes the wealth of emerging talent at the Blues’ disposal is testament to the supporting, challenging environment at USM Finch Farm.

He insists the Club is the perfect place for any young player to develop and says Everton’s family atmosphere was evident from the first time he walked in the door.

“The facilities are unbelievable, so to be here training every day is just fantastic,” he said. “You’ve got everything you need to get better as a player.

“When I arrived here, moving away from home, all the players and staff were very good at welcoming me and helping me feel at home.

“It was one of the reasons why I came to the Club in the first place, it’s a very family-orientated club, which is what I wanted moving away. Everton feels like a second family now.”