Loan Watch: Valuable Minutes For Six Youngsters In Festive Period

Everton’s loanees have been in action over the festive period, gaining experience through minutes with their temporary clubs.

Harrison Armstrong picked up more minutes for Preston North End before returning to the Blues, while Isaac Heath helped Accrington Stanley to two home victories.

Find out more in this week's Loan Watch…

Harrison Armstrong – Preston North End

The 18-year-old midfielder started in both of the Lilywhites' fixtures at the end of December before being recalled to the Blues.

Armstrong got 72 minutes under his belt in a goalless draw at Stoke on Boxing Day and 78 minutes in a 2-1 loss at Wrexham, which brought Preston's seven-game unbeaten run to an end.

During his loan spell, Armstrong made 17 appearances for Preston, scoring once in the reverse fixture against Wrexham, and picked up an assist in a win over Swansea City.

Tyler Onyango – Stockport County

Tyler Onyango suffered an injury setback on Boxing Day, as he was forced off deep into first-half stoppage time in Stockport's 2-1 defeat at home to Lincoln City.

The defender had only made his return from a different injury earlier on in December, and will be hopeful of being back in action very soon.

Isaac Heath – Accrington Stanley

The festive period has been kind to Heath and Accrington Stanley, with two home wins and 90 minutes in each match for the youngster.

Stanley overcame Barrow on Boxing Day with a 90th minute winner, before defeating Harrogate 1-0 on Monday evening.

Heath could feature for Accrington again today as they travel to Meadow Lane to face Notts County (3pm GMT).

Fraser Barnsley & Odin Samuels-Smith – Marine

The Blues duo played the full 90 minutes in both of Marine's National League North fixtures.

The Mariners picked up all three points from an entertaining 4-2 home win over local neighbours Southport on Boxing Day, but their long unbeaten run on the road came to an end on Tuesday when they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Chorley. 

Their next fixture is a trip to Peterborough Sports (Saturday, 3pm GMT).

Bradley Moonan – Prescot Cables

Cables have not been in action over the festive period, with their next fixture taking place on Saturday 3 January against Warrington Rylands (3pm GMT kick-off).

The centre-back has extended his loan spell in L34, which was initially due to end on Christmas Eve.

Martin Sherif did not feature for Rotherham United over the festive period before he was recalled by Everton, while Francis Okoronkwo was an unused substitute for Lincoln City in their two matches.