Everton Under-18s midfielder Isaac Heath insists the young Blues are "up for the challenge" as the Toffees prepare to welcome Sunderland to USM Finch Farm on Saturday.

Everton have had a difficult start to the season, falling to defeat against Leeds United and Middlesbrough, with a 1-1 draw against reigning U18 Premier League champions Manchester City landing between.

Heath and his teammates are now looking to bounce back against the Black Cats – and the talented youngster is confident the Blues boast the tools to take maximum points.

“We felt down after our last game against Middlesbrough," Heath told evertonfc.com. "It was a really disappointing performance. 

“This weekend is a chance for us to redeem ourselves.

“We’ve been working really hard in the last couple of weeks trying to get it right.

“Every day the coaches have been telling us what we need to improve upon.

“The Sunderland game is a great chance for us to express ourselves.

“We know they’re a good side, but we’ll be up for the challenge.”

The 16-year-old got off the mark in the first game of the season at Leeds, giving the Blues a half-time lead before the home side hit back to win 2-1.

On a personal note, the player felt a sense of coming full circle having began his youth career with the west Yorkshire club.

“It was a bit of a weird day going back there,” Heath added.

“I was happy to play, to see how much they’ve changed since I was there.

“I was speaking to my old coaches and they asked how I have been doing.

"I enjoyed it, though, apart from the result, of course"

Family is of paramount importance to Heath, whose dad was there to see him net his first goal of the campaign.

After making the switch to Everton at the age of 13, the teenager’s parents would drive him up the M62 every night after school.

As he continued to progress with the Blues, the family came to the tough decision this summer that Heath would join a host family and move to Liverpool.

The Under-18s star now wants to repay the sacrifice his parents have made by performing on the pitch.

“It could be two-hour journeys [to USM Finch Farm]. I would eat in the car, get changed in the car... It was a really hard at times.

“Once the scholarship came at the under-16s level, my family was really happy that I could go pursue my career, but they were upset – especially my mum – that I would have to move far away from home.

“I had been preparing for this moment for a while, but for the first few weeks it was hard.

“We have video calls and I go home when I can on the weekends, so it’s not been as bad as I thought it was going to be.

“Without my family, I would be nowhere near where I am now.

“They had to get time off work, missed out on parts of their social life. It’s been a big sacrifice.

“The main reason I keep going is I have to repay them for what they’ve done for me.

“Everyday it drives me to keep going. It’s the burning fire inside of me to make sure that I make it.”

While the move was difficult, Heath has settled in well to life in Liverpool.

“I live with a couple called Brian and Alison, their dog Eddie, and one of my teammates Troy [Smikle-James].

“It was difficult to begin with but now it’s just feels normal, like it was back home.

“Having Troy here with me has helped a lot.

“If it was just myself, it would feel a bit more awkward, but he’s helped me adjust to life here.

“The dog’s been great, too. If you’ve had a bad day, he’ll always come over, he helps to cheer you up!"

Now living on Merseyside and able to use the world-class facilities at USM Finch Farm each day, Heath feels his ability and confidence has only grown.

“The facilities are amazing.

“I was speaking to my teammates the other day about how the grass is always cut to perfection.

“It’s like playing on carpet.

“The gym facilities are excellent, the pool for recovery and the indoor pitch.

“I think some days we take it for granted because it’s amazing what we have got here.”

Heath also paid tribute to Under-18s manager Paul Tait for helping him gain the confidence to showcase his talents.

“The coaches have been great," he added.

“They tell me when I’ve not been doing something right but they’ll also compliment me when I am playing well.

“I have been able to progress my game. Paul Tait is encouraging me to express myself so I can get more goals.

“Phil Jevons [Under-18s assistant manager] has been great, too.

“Last year when I worked with him, I was struggling with confidence, and we had a couple of conversations.

“He’s really helped me to develop as a player and encourages me to try new things.

“It’s helped me get more goals and assists as I’ve moved up the ranks.

"Me and my dad have spoken a lot of the psychology of sport, too, and he’s been giving me tips on what to do to help that.”

“When I have that confidence, it’s like I’m a different player."