Everton under 18s' mini-derby with Liverpool has been postponed due to the heavy snow and freezing conditions over the last 24 hours.

The Blues triumphed over their rivals back in October, when Victor Anichebe was the scorer. Everton have already completed a double over Man Utd at this level.

Due to injuries and suspensions in the first team squad, academy coach Neil Dewsnip has seen some of his players move up the ladder and play in the reserves and be around the first team.

John Ruddy, Victor Anichebe, Bjarni Vidarsson, Patrick Boyle and Mark Hughes have all been in the matchday squads this season, and their inclusion has meant more chances for the younger members of the academy.

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Those youngsters were set to be handed another chance to shine against Liverpool this weekend but the weather means the game will now take place later in the season.

The Academy's next match will be against Barnsley at Netherton on March 11. Coach Dewsnip expects It will be another very young Under-18 side for the game.

He explained: "The younger boys are getting their opportunity to play - the schoolboys and all our under-17 players.

"That is due to the situation right at the top end with young Bjarni (Vidarsson) is on the bench and there is a knock-on effect all the way down."

Games this season have already seen schoolboys John Paul Kissock and Kieran Agard turn out for the under 18s, as well as under 14 players Jack Rodwell and Cory Sinnott.

And Dewsnip has been delighted with the way the youngsters have responded to being given a chance.

He continued: "It is good for them because they are taking their chance. It can work one or two ways. It can be too difficult and too soon for them or they can rise to the challenge. And generally, especially last Saturday, they rose to the challenge."