Moyes Hails Barkley Development

Manager says young midfielder has returned a better player.

David Moyes believes Ross Barkley's loan spell has benefitted the youngster.  

The 18-year-old's stint at Sheffield Wednesday ended this week and he is now back with the Blues.

And after 13 Championship games, in which he scored four times, his manager is seeing a positive improvement.

Moyes said: “We were happy for Ross to go out there and play the games on loan. I think it’s been good for him.

“He’s been playing in big games. We’ve had him watched in all the games and I’ve watched him personally play in two games live against Leeds United and Blackburn."

It hasn't been the easiest spell for the Owls as they struggled in the league, but Barkley was able to establish himself as an important cog in their midfield.

“For the first three or four games it took him a little bit of time to settle, but he has then made a bigger impression," noted Moyes.

“Ross has done great. He is a young boy, 18, and those games in the Championship will bode well for us and for him. It’s not unlike when we put Leon Osman out on loan. I wouldn’t say it’s an exact similarity, but we put Ross out to try and get him ready for Premier League action.”

Watch Everton v Norwich this weekend by securing your tickets now. Call 0871 663 1878*, visit the box office, Everton Two or the TicketQuarter, or click here.