U21 NEWS

Kouyate On 'Special' Night And First-Team Ambition

Katia Kouyate is aiming to make the most of his renewed confidence gained from bagging a hat-trick on a "special" night in Everton Under-21s' 7-2 victory over Colchester United on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old striker helped Paul Tait's side put in a commanding performance to register an impressive win in the Premier League Cup at Southport's Haig Avenue.

Kouyate's treble marked the high point of what has been a frustrating two years at times for the teenager due to injuries.

Tuesday’s contest was the first game in which the young forward, who joined Everton Academy when he was eight, completed a full 90 minutes for the Under-21s.

His opening goal in the 17th minute was also his first at that level, and Kouyate - who signed a new two-year contract in September - admitted adding another two in the same game made it a memorable and morale-boosting evening.  

“It’s a very special night for me,” said Kouyate speaking to evertonfc.com.  

“I’ve been suffering from injuries across the past two seasons, so to get my first 90 minutes and top it off with a hat-trick is massive for me.  

“I am glad to finally find my feet, get my confidence back and play with some freedom.”  

The Under-21s were meant to be back in action this weekend away to Southampton, however, that game has been postponed.  

They will be heading to Lincoln on Tuesday night, however, as they take on the Imps in the last-16 of the Papa John’s Trophy.   

On the following Monday, they will then be back in Premier League Cup action for the return clash against Colchester United, capping off what has been a hectic period for Tait’s young Blues.   

Kouyate, however, has embraced the challenge of the frantic festive period, admitting it has been a perfect spell for him to keep building positive momentum.   

“It’s the ideal time to start performing at a level I want to be, especially coming up to Christmas,” said the forward.  

“Around this time, you want to be pushing to get into the starting XI and pushing to start getting the First Team's attention so I just need to keep going.”   

Also among the scorers on Tuesday night was fellow attacker Tom Cannon who grabbed a brace to follow up his maiden senior goal against Western Sydney Wanderers and Premier League debut against Bournemouth last month.

Kouyate admitted Cannon's progression with the First Team has been an inspiration for his own journey.

“Tom has made his debut in the Premier League and scored for the First Team and it inspires you," he added.

“When I see him, someone who is the same age as me, achieving that, then I know there’s that same pathway for me. There’s going to be opportunities and I just need to make sure I take them.”