Pennington delighted to sign new Everton deal

Matthew Pennington admits he is looking to the future with excitement after signing a new contract at Everton until June 2019.

Pennington announced himself to the world earlier this month when he started and then scored his first Toffees goal in their eventual 3-1 Merseyside derby defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.

(Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

The defender then started the following away draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, suggesting he is very much among manager Ronald Koeman’s thoughts.

The Warrington-born 22-year-old had initially struggled to show his potential due to a long-term hamstring injury.

But having shone among the under-23s since returning from his spell on the sidelines at the start of the year, Pennington is eyeing up further opportunities.

“I’m delighted to extend my stay here and hopefully I can try to cement a place in the first team now,” he said.

“It’s a very exciting time to be Blue. We’ve got a new manager, new players, young players coming through and it’s a great place to be.

“I’m proud every time I wear the blue shirt and go out in front of the fans to play for Everton. That’s been my aim since I came to the club as a young boy and hopefully I can get many more chances to do that.

“The aim was always to try to get back in the first team but it does make it a bit harder if a manager doesn’t know you because you can’t impress anyone from the treatment room.

“I’ve just worked hard every day to get back to full fitness and I’m just happy to now get my chance again.”