Rhys Hughes has set out his determination to showcase his attacking qualities for Everton Under-23s – and help the young Blues build on successive Premier League 2 victories.

David Unsworth’s team take on Manchester City at Southport FC (1pm) on Sunday following convincing wins over Leicester City and Derby County.

Hughes is enjoying his maiden season as a fully-fledged Everton Under-23s player, having been promoted from Paul Tait’s Under-18s set-up.

The 19-year-old boasts a varied passing range and impressive close control, as well as the ability to break forward from midfield and make decisive contributions in the final third.

Hughes explained how Unsworth has given him the licence to express himself, while aiding his development as an all-round footballer.

“Unsy knows what I can do on the ball,” Hughes told evertonfc.com.

“He wants me to get into pockets of space. That’s where I’ve been playing recently, coming in off the sides and trying to hurt teams.

“Defensively, he’s really tried to help me, because I know that’s an area where I can improve.

“With Unsy being such a quality Premier League defender, he’s perfect to learn from. He’s helping me improve in all aspects and giving me the freedom when I get on the pitch.

“As long as we’re in good team shape and are working hard, you have freedom in the final third. We have got really good attacking players so he expects us to create and score.

“It’s a good balance of being well drilled but also having the freedom to play.

“I’ve started the season well. With Unsy, [assistant manager] John Ebbrell and [Under-23s coach] Franny Jeffers, it’s a really good place to improve.

“I feel I’ve kicked on but I’m not getting carried away. I know I’ve still got areas to develop.”

Everton Under-23s have been in free-scoring form lately, having backed up a 3-0 win against Leicester with a 4-1 success over Derby on Monday night.

Ellis Simms has three goals over the course of those victories – and Wales Under-19 international Hughes explained how he enjoys linking up with the talented striker.

“He’s a quality finisher,” Hughes said.

“Having him up front, with me trying to play him through, he’s perfect for my game.

“We’ve done it in the Under-18s. Hopefully we can make things happen for the Under-23s and I’ll keep setting him up if I can.”

Hughes says Everton are braced for a difficult challenge on Sunday, with opponents Manchester City renowned for playing slick attacking football.

But he is confident the Blues possess the collective attributes to emerge victorious.

“The Leicester and Derby performances showed exactly what we are about,” he added.

“That’s the level we need to be striving for in each game.

“If we do, I think teams struggle to live with us at times.

“We need to keep working hard, keeping that intensity as high as possible, and I think we can have a good season.

“City are a really technical team, we know that. They like to play.

“We have got to match them in terms of technical ability and work harder than them, too. That’s always the message.

“It will be good to play against those kinds of [quality] players – you want to be playing against the best, that only improves you.

“It will be a really good test and one we believe we can go out and win.”