Jack Harrison played the first 45 minutes in Everton Under-21s’ 2-1 victory over Norwich City Under-21s on Friday evening at Walton Hall Park.

The summer arrival from Leeds United has suffered with a hip injury since his arrival on Merseyside - but the 26-year-old impressed during his first appearance in royal blue.

Harrison started on the right wing in the Premier League 2 clash for Paul Tait’s side, who netted through goals from Francis Okoronwo and Jenson Metcalfe.

The Canaries threatened a late comeback, but the young Blues stayed strong to seal their first win of the season.

The Toffees started brightly during a fast-paced encounter, often looking dangerous in the wide areas, and particularly on the right side through Harrison, who was supported by Roman Dixon from right-back.

From midfield, Metcalfe and Tyler Onyango aided Okoronkwo in attack, overloading the Norwich backline throughout the early stages.

Dribbling from the right side, Harrison nearly opened the scoring after just 17 minutes, cutting in from the flank, progressing with pace towards the penalty area, before unleashing a left-footed strike, which deflected over the bar.

Continuing a positive start, Everton took the lead from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark. Katia Kouyate won the spot-kick, after his positive charge into the Canaries’ box drew a foul from full-back Finley Welch.

Okoronkwo stepped up to take the penalty, calmly converting from 12 yards to put the Blues a goal up.

Another Everton goal followed just 55 seconds after the beginning of the second half. Metcalfe took advantage of a misdirected pass from goalkeeper Vincente Reyes, guiding a first-time strike into the Norwich net.

Despite the Blues’ two-goal cushion, the visitors fought their way back into the game, and found a goal through Daniel Ogwuru in the 66^th minute. He managed to capitalise on a loose ball from a well-worked free-kick routine.

Kouyate came close to putting the game beyond doubt. The winger was brilliantly found by Okoronkwo’s through ball, before forcing a save from a close-range effort with just minutes remaining.

Boosted by the evening’s victory, the Under-21s’ next outing sees them travel to take on Burton Albion on Tuesday 26 September (7pm BST) in the EFL Trophy.