Everton Under-23s striker Tom Cannon believes ruthlessness in front of goal – combined with focus and concentration off the ball – will be key to the young Blues achieving victory over high-flying Manchester City on Saturday (1pm GMT).

Cannon, a Republic of Ireland youth international, also revealed the steps he is taking to develop his all-round attributes under the tutelage of boss David Unsworth.

The Toffees will lock horns with second-placed City at Southport FC aiming to build on an impressive display in their previous Premier League 2 game – a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Chelsea last weekend.

Cannon’s powerful and accurate finish put Everton in front in that contest before the Blues were pegged back by a last-minute leveller. 

Despite the late blow, Unsworth was eager to salute his team’s “outstanding football” throughout the game, and Cannon says confidence is high as the Toffees prepare for another clash with high-quality opposition. 

“Against City, it’s always a tough test,” Cannon told evertonfc.com. “They have good players. We’ve been working hard to get ourselves ready and I’m sure we will be.

“They keep the ball very well. They always wait for the right time to pass and they mainly execute it perfectly. We have to make sure we’re switched on and always be aware of what’s going on – and hopefully we can deliver in attack as well.

“When our forward players are firing, I don’t think many teams can stop us. 

“We’re feeling good and getting a victory going into the international break would set us up well.”

Aintree-born Cannon joined Everton aged 10 and has consistently found the back of the net as he has progressed through the ranks.

The teenager revealed his unwavering self-belief every time he gets a goalscoring opportunity – and explained how he is working tirelessly on the training pitch to enhance other aspects of his game.

“Finishing has never been a problem for me,” Cannon added. “Going through on goal, I expect to score every time. In any situation, I stay composed and I back myself. 

“Unsy has been good with me, working with me in training on my link-up and hold-up play. 

“We do work in small-sided matches, where I try to move in front of the defender, pin them and then bring others into the game. 

“It’s a case of me consistently doing it, getting used to it and then bringing that into matchday situations.

“I’m getting a lot more confident with that side of the game. Compared to where I was last season, I feel I’m keeping hold of the ball a lot more.

"I just need to keep improving.”