LESCOTT TIPPED FOR HONOURS

Joleon Lescott has been tipped as a future England international by the man who guided the latest Everton signing through the youth ranks at Wolves.

The Blues completed a deal to bring the 23-year-old to Goodison on Wednesday after agreeing an undisclosed fee with the Molyneux outfit.

Lescott will add additional competition in the central defensive ranks but Chris Evans, the Wolves Academy director, believes it will not just be the Everton side the young defender will be pushing for a place in.

He said: "Joleon has been a great servant for Wolves, the youngest player to ever make 100 first team appearances for the club.

"He has flown the flag for the Wolves Academy with distinction and while seeing him leave is tinged with sadness, I am delighted he has got his opportunity.

"From when we first had him in the Academy over a decade ago, there have been a lot of hurdles put in front of him and he has gone over them all. For me now there is one left, that is international level, and he can achieve it.

"If Joleon can go on and establish himself in the Premiership with Everton I am confident he will go on and get an opportunity with England at some point in the future.

"As much as you never want to see one of your players leave I think this is a good move for all concerned and shows crystal clear how important the Academy is to the future of the club.

"Of course the aim is always to produce players who are good enough to excel at first team level but equally they can also be assets as well.

"At a time when the rug has been pulled under our feet a little bit with the loss of the parachute money being able to sell Joleon for what is a very good price provides stability and the opportunity to rebuild.

"Joleon is a gentleman, it's in his nature, and he has always been able to keep his feet on the ground.
"He has been supported well by his family, has overcome adversity with injuries, and let's face it - in the main criteria of all he's a damned good footballer.

"It will be a proud moment for me to see Joleon make his Premiership debut."