Duncan Ferguson saluted Thierry Small’s “brilliant achievement” after the full-back became the Club’s youngest ever player in Sunday night’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park

Small was introduced five minutes from time alongside fellow teenager, 17-year-old midfield talent Tyler Onyango.

Aged 16 years 176 days, Small is 15 days younger than previous record-holder Jose Baxter. The Solihull-born left-back, who joined Everton aged 11, only made his Toffees Under-23s debut in October 2020.

After replacing James Rodriguez and Andre Gomes at Goodison, Small and Onyango showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion, harrying the opposition, winning tackles and displaying impressive composure in possession.

Ferguson praised the duo’s dynamism and desire during their time on the pitch.

“It was excellent [to see them make their debuts], I’m made up for both of them,” said Assistant Manager Ferguson.

“We knew if we got Thierry on he would be Everton’s youngest player. It’s brilliant. It was nice to see him have the achievement.

“I thought he did really well when he came on and showed good energy.

“The manager will be delighted, he put him on and he’s made history

“Tyler is a great kid, too. He used to run about my garden when he was nine or 10 years old so it’s nice to see him out here playing!”

Ferguson highlighted Small and Onyango’s hunger to learn each day in training at USM Finch Farm as key reason for their progress, as well as paying tribute to their technical qualities and physical attributes.

“They are good players with good attitudes – and good athleticism,” he added.

“They’re good sizes and have good speed.

“They’re good players, of course, but playing at this level you need to have athleticism.”