Midfielder Luke Butterfield has outlined Everton Under-18s' hunger for revenge in Saturday's mini Merseyside derby at USM Finch Farm.

Paul Tait's side tasted defeat to Liverpool in the reverse Premier League U18 (North) League fixture in October and Butterfield revealed the young Blues' desire to put that right in the 11am (GMT) kick-off this weekend.

Everton head into the clash buoyed by their 2-0 victory at Derby County last week which saw them rise to fifth in the table, six points behind their second-placed Merseyside rivals.

"We feel really good going into the weekend," Butterfield told evertonfc.com.

"I feel like we have a point to prove and we'll be out for revenge. 

"I felt the occasion got to us slightly in the defeat earlier in the season.

"We have learnt that we will play the game and not the occasion.

"It's a good opportunity for us to express ourselves and show what we are capable of.

"This fixture means a lot to the Club, you can feel the buzz in the city when it's derby day.

"That sense of rivalry makes you want to go out and get a result.

"These are the games that can shape your season so we want to come away with the bragging rights come the final whistle."

Butterfield has been with Everton Academy since 2014 and has become a key figure for Tait’s Under-18s.

The Yorkshire-born midfielder has also had a taste of Under-23s action last campaign, featuring six times for David Unsworth’s side and has trained with the First Team on occasions.

He outlined his ambition to follow in the path of Academy graduates before him and progress into Everton’s First Team in the coming seasons.

“I was very aware of the successful rate of professional footballers the Club produces,” Butterfield added.

“When my family began talks on a move to Everton, the Club made me and my family aware of the pathway that is there and the successful players who have risen through the ranks.

“Hopefully I can follow that journey as well.

“Since I joined Everton, I feel I’ve developed a lot, which makes me hopeful for the future.

“For me, I just need to ensure I keep pushing myself every day to become the best player I can.

“I give 100 per cent to everything that I do.”

Butterfield moved to Merseyside after beginning his youth career with Blackburn Rovers.

One of the key figures for the 18-year-old in the past few years with the Academy has been boss Tait.

The pair have a strong bond as Butterfield expressed how significant the Under-18s manager has been in his development.

“I get on really well with him," he added.

“We have a good bond and connection; I feel I can approach him about anything.

“It’s good to be pushed from a young age, it puts you in good stead for the future.

“He helps me both on and off the pitch, it’s something I’m really grateful for.”

On an international level, Butterfield has enjoyed success with Scotland Under-19s.

Travelling to Hungary in March for a series of UEFA Under-19s European Championship qualifiers, the young talent highlighted how his game has improved while representing his country.

“I love when I go away on international front," he added.

“It’s a really good experience to play at that level and I feel I have come along a lot with that experience having been able to adapt to international football.

“When we go away we all discuss how our club career is progressing and it really helps as you take that knowledge back with you to improve your game.”