Lifelong Evertonian Lewis Warrington hailed a "perfect night" after making his senior debut for the Club in the Blues' 1-0 Carabao Cup victory at Fleetwood Town.

Everton secured their place in the third round of the competition at Highbury Stadium, courtesy of Demarai Gray's second strike in three days.

Warrington, who joined the Club as a six-year-old and has been a regular at home and away matches during his childhood, was introduced as a 64th-minute substitute.

Speaking exclusively to evertontv afterwards, he said: "It's tough to put into words. I've waited for this my whole life and put loads of hard work and sacrifice into this moment.

"I got 30 minutes and it's a step in the right direction.

"I'm absolutely buzzing because I've been a Blue my whole life and if I wasn't playing, I'd have been in the away end tonight - so it's a surreal moment for me and my family.

"It's been a long journey but an enjoyable one. 

"I couldn't have done it at a better club and, obviously, I support the Club so it's made it that much more special.

"That important thing tonight was getting through to the next round. 

"The lads played well, we're in the next round and to get my debut... it's a perfect night."

The 19-year-old midfielder signed a new two-year deal with Everton in May this year, following an impressive loan spell at League Two side Tranmere Rovers during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

And he insists that experience of senior football has stood him in good stead looking to the future.

"There was definitely a rush of adrenaline [when getting the call to come on] and I ran over, then I kind of went numb a bit!" he explained.

"But once I got on the pitch and made a few passes and settled down, I felt really good.

"That [Tranmere] experience helped, even the little things like winning second balls, winning headers against big lads - that's what I was doing last year in League Two. 

"It's helped a lot. In training I'm feeling fitter and stronger than I did before I went out, so it's benefited me a lot. 

"I just want to keep pushing on from here. 

"I'll take everything as it comes, keep training as hard as I possibly can and if I get the opportunity, be ready to take it with both hands."

As well as handing Warrington his Everton bow, manager Frank Lampard also gave Stanley Mills - son of former England international Danny Mills - his maiden senior appearance.

Reflecting on the young duo, Lampard told evertontv: "They've both been first-class since pre-season started - attitude and training levels.

"I thought Lewis was brilliant today when he came on. And when I say brilliant, people might ask, 'Was he brilliant?' Well, yes, because he got us playing. He received it and did basic things in midfield. Receive, play, move, open up the game... he did it. 

"He's an Evertonian. He was delighted to come on the pitch and it was oozing out of him. I love that. He wanted to play for the Club and come on. It was a big moment for him and I'm really pleased for him.

"Stanley has been outstanding in training and deserves it. 

"He can play anywhere, in so many different areas for us. He's a great pro, great athlete, good player and obviously been taught well by his dad in terms of how he approaches his game. 

"I was pleased that he could get on but just upset he couldn't get another couple of moments because he's quick and he can make things happen."