Opposition defences have been struggling to keep up with Everton Under-18s forward Coby Ebere.

The promising young Blues forward believes he’s the fastest at the Club – and with good reason. The quickest in Academy testing, Ebere says his 30-metre sprint record stands at a rapid 3.62 seconds.

In fine form this season, the jet-heeled attacker has netted 11 goals in just nine Under-18 Premier League appearances during the campaign, including hat-tricks against Stoke City and Leeds United.

The goals have provided momentum for the 18-year-old Ebere, who discussed his recent displays with evertonfc.com.

“The goals 100 per cent build confidence," he said. "When you score goals, it’s hard to lose it. Once you start going, you get more momentum. When you don’t score, that’s when it gets tough. But as a striker, you know you have to be patient with it.

“The season didn’t start too well because I got injured in pre-season, so I was out for six months. Then I got back in December, and I’ve just been playing since – building up bit by bit.

“The game time has been important. Just getting more game time and getting used to it again. We’ve had loads of matches, so having them and fixing mistakes in the next game has been helpful.”

This weekend, Everton are set to take an Under-19s side to Dusseldorf, Germany, to compete in the Champions Trophy.

The international competition represents a return to his country of birth for Ebere, who, despite growing up in England, was German-born and is of Nigerian heritage.

Through injury, he missed the young Blues’ trip to Germany in August's Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe Cup, so is keen to make an impression this time around. In which attacking position he operates – he doesn’t mind.

“Normally I play off the left, but we’ve had loads of injuries, so I’ve had to do a job as the number nine,” he said. “I struggled at first, but then I got used to it more.

“I’ll probably go back out to the left and I played there in the last game. Right now, I don’t have a preference, really. Before the start the start of the season, I wanted to play out wide, but then I started playing as the nine, and now, I don’t mind either.”

Eye-catching showings for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s earned Ebere a spot in the Everton Under-21s squad last time out against Wolves.

He explained the differences when stepping into Paul Tait’s side, while also revealing a long-term target to reach the Men's Senior Team.

“It’s a different intensity, but a good experience, seeing how it all works," he added, detailing his experience with the Under-21s. "I think it’s more of a technical difference because physically, I can deal with it. It’s technical – you have to make sure everything is done to a better standard.

“Getting top goalscorer with the Under-18s is in sight and I’d definitely like to get more minutes with the Under-21s, and take that goalscoring form into the 21s, as well.

“I’m just taking it day by day for now, but my end goal is to hopefully make my senior debut at Everton.”