Midfielder Einar Iversen revealed Everton Under-23s will head into Friday’s Premier League Cup clash with Fulham at Southport FC (7pm) confident of achieving the victory that would take them top of qualifying group B.
Cup holders Everton are currently second in the group on four points, with Fulham two points ahead and occupying top spot.
>>>Tickets for the game are £6 for adults and £3 for concessions. Season Ticket, Lounge and Official Members can attend for free*<<<
The young Blues were edged out 2-1 by the west London side when the sides met in October and Iversen is expecting a tough test again on Friday.
Everton go into the match on the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw against Arsenal in Premier League 2 on Monday.
“It’s an important game,” Norway Under-21 international Iversen told evertonfc.com.
“We want to have a good run in this cup. It’s very valuable for us.
“We did really well against Arsenal and if we keep doing the things we did then, then hopefully we’ll get a good result.
“They are a good team, though, so we have to be at our best."
The 2019/20 campaign is Iversen’s first with Everton Under-23s, having been promoted from the Blues’ Under-18 side.
Iversen, who has started five of Everton Under-23s' past six matches, explained how the physical demands of playing at a more advanced level have made it a challenging adjustment.
The 18-year-old says he is feeling more comfortable with each passing match, however, and detailed how he has aimed to develop his game.
“It’s a very big step,” he said. “I think it’s bigger than most people think actually, the Under-18s to the 23s.
“So, at the start it was a bit tough because it was faster, everyone’s physical. But now it’s just going better and better.
“What I’m learning now is, I’m trying to go forward every time I get the ball, as much as possible.
“Last season, the tempo wasn’t as high, you can pass sideways sometimes. But now when I get the ball I try to get forward every time.”
Iversen also states that the strong competition for places in the squad has had a positive impact on his performances.
“It is good because it helps you stay focussed in training every day,” he added. "When I’ve not been getting in the team, in training I've done my best, and I think that’s helped.
“I learn from all the players in my position every day, like Beni [Baningime], Dennis [Adeniran], I see what they do, and I try the same things.
“The spirit in the team is very good, too. We all want to perform well together.”
*Tickets for the game are £6 for adults and £3 for concessions. Season Ticket, Lounge and Official Members can attend for free - simply present your relevant membership card at the gate.
