Jeffers On Debutants And Striker's Bid For Everton First Team

Francis Jeffers praised Everton Under-23s’ blend of rookies and senior players as the young Blues got the better of in-form Blackburn with a 2-1 Premier League 2 win in Southport.

A youthful Toffees side featured debutants Lewis Warrington and Charlie Whitaker, the latter marking his maiden appearance for David Unsworth’s team with a goal just before the half-hour mark when he produced a cool finish from Josh Bowler’s through ball to double the home side’s advantage.

Everton were already 1-0 up at that point thanks to yet another goal for striker Nathan Broadhead and, despite a Con Ouzounidis own goal giving second-placed Blackburn hope before the break, the hosts held on for an impressive victory to move to within three points of Spurs in third spot.

“With the young lads making their debuts, it was a decent performance,” said Under-23s coach Jeffers. “They wanted to win – which should be the case at any level when you play football for Everton – and all lads fought to put their bodies on the line at the end.

“Blackburn are a good team, what they do they do it well so, all in all, it’s a good win.

“I thought Charlie and Lewis making their debuts for the team was a real positive. Charlie got his goal and Lewis was everywhere again, like he was in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester City.

“Those lads have had a big week with that win in the cup and then making their debuts tonight. There’s another big game for them against Chelsea in the next round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday but you want the big games.”


Jeffers lauded the qualities of 23-year-old Broadhead, who has trained with Carlo Ancelotti’s First Team throughout the season and been involved with the matchday squad.

The Wales Under-21 international put Everton ahead on 20 minutes with a sweet strike to further underline his talent. Meanwhile, Bowler, another experienced player in Unsworth’s Under-23s squad, caught the eye on his return from a hip injury.

“He did well for someone who has been out for so long,” added Jeffers. “Josh is a senior member of the group and I thought he was fantastic. He was an example to the younger lads and, like we knew, he’s a threat. When you get him the ball in those 1v1 situations, he can be a real handful.

“Nathan’s a top player at this level. He’s been with the First Team and he’s someone who I’ve always liked – a striker who scores all types of goals – and he’s someone who I’ve worked with for a few years. I hope he gets his chance in the First Team.”