Davies backed for bright future at Everton

Everton manager Ronald Koeman believes academy graduate Tom Davies is developing into a very promising player.

The 18-year-old midfielder has made three substitute appearances this season, in victories against Stoke City and Sunderland as well as the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out.

With Gareth Barry suspended for next week’s game against Swansea City having accumulated five yellow cards, and James McCarthy recovering from a hamstring injury, Davies is likely to be called upon again.

And Koeman has full faith in the teenager.

“He’s developing well,” said the former Southampton manager.

(Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)

“It’s always difficult for young players, but they need to know that we really believe in them.

“You need to be a little bit patient, but after they have made their debut they know the level they need to be at, to compete against clubs like Chelsea.

“It was a very good experience and it will help him to improve and become a better player.

“Training sessions are important for him because he is competing against first-team players who are used to the intensity of the Premier League.

“It’s important to get into that rhythm and that’s the support we like to give Tom and the rest of the young players.”