One youngster, 20 year old midfield man Leon Osman, made an interesting admission that he is jealous of his team-mates breaking into the first team – frustrated that he has not been granted his opportunity.
Attack-minded Osman refers to such talent as Peter Clarke and Tony Hibbert who have advanced to the very brink of first team inclusion.
The Liverpool-born star said, “It's really good to see them breaking through, but you are always a bit envious, because you want it to be you, but I am really happy they are there”. The fact that Osman is not there is something which admittedly disheartens him.
A serious cruciate ligament injury hampered Osman's rising progress, hindering his chances of breaking into the first team at the same time as Peter Clarke and Tony Hibbert. “I've had to get my head down and work hard. Now I'm on the right trail, and hopefully I can get back to where I was,” said an optimistic Osman, after his long-term absence. Making up for lost time, could signal a little taster of experience in the lower leagues – a team such as
Meanwhile, hot prospect Nick Chadwick, who has been rumoured as a potential loanee for the Imps in the past, is still waiting for consistent first team opportunities, as the trio of Kevin Campbell, Tomasz Radzinski and in particular Duncan Ferguson are at the top of David Moyes' preference list. Add to that American striker, Joe-Max Moore, it further adds to Chadwick's misery, his path to the first eleven clearly blocked.
Chadwick (19) said, “It's important I get as many games under my belt as possible. If I can keep scoring goals and taking my chances then, hopefully, I will be given further opportunities in the first team. I just hope that time will come sooner rather than later.”
Chadwick claims he craves more of the first team scene and still has much to learn, as he waits patiently for his lucky break. David Moyes may be the man to grant him his wish, but only time will tell, as the season nears its end.
With the odd one or two youngsters being drafted into the City ranks for next season, becoming an almost certainty, both Osman and Chadwick cannot be ruled out. Fast and skilful versatile attacking midfielder, Kevin McLeod, who is also on his way back from injury, has been suggested as another possible loanee by a number of Evertonians in the know.
At 19 and 20, they appear to be at a suitable age level. There is also a profusion of talented 18 year olds on the books of Everton, which one can be sure Alan Buckley is exploring.
Soon…Planet Imp will publish a list of all the names of Everton youngsters that Alan Buckley could possibly lay his eyes upon. We also pinpoint the more probable candidates for a long-term loan.
Watch This Space.