David Unsworth has urged Evertonians to support his young Blues team in force when they face Fleetwood Town in a Leasing.com Trophy clash at Goodison Park on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Everton have qualified for the knockout stages of the competition for the first time, with their reward a last-32 showdown with League One Fleetwood under the lights at the Grand Old Lady.

Tickets for the match can be purchased on the night and they are priced at just £5 for adults and £3 for juniors. Click here for more information.

Unsworth’s team rose to the occasion when performing in front of sizeable crowds at Goodison at the business end of their triumphant 2018/19 season.

The Blues beat title rivals Brighton & Hove Albion to clinch the Premier League 2 trophy, before completing an unprecedented double when they overcame Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup final.

Boss Unsworth believes a vocal following of Evertonians on Tuesday can inspire his players as they target victory in another high-stakes contest.

“Whenever we’ve played at Goodison in front of big crowds, we always seem to have performed well,” he told evertonfc.com.

“It would be great for the players if we could get another good crowd. It does help them.

“Playing at the stadium is always very special. It’s still special for me to this day – and I’m not even out there playing.

“Hopefully with the match being on that stage and with the crowd there, it can lift our young players and spur them on. 

“It will be a very tough game but I know our boys will give it their all.”

Everton topped their Leasing.com Trophy preliminary group after beating Burton Albion at The Pirelli Stadium and securing impressive draws at Mansfield Town and Crewe Alexandra.

Fleetwood, who are managed by Joey Barton and sit eighth in League One, finished runners-up in their group behind Accrington Stanley.

"We have had three great performances in the competition so far,” Unsworth added.

“I think there's been an acceptance among the players that they can beat League One and League Two teams. That they belong on the same pitch and can compete and be better than them

“That’s been very pleasing and it’s great to get through. There is a long way to go in the competition.

“We will hopefully pick a strong team on Tuesday night and give a good account of ourselves.”