‘Why not?’ – Exclusive: Campbell backs Small for first-team training at Everton
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Everton could benefit from letting young left-back Theirry Small train with the first-team.
Small, 16, is having a breakthrough season for the Everton youth sides which has led to calls for the prospect to be given a first-team chance.
The Toffees will be missing Lucas Digne for a while longer after the Frenchman picked up an injury in November and Campbell doesn’t see any downside to letting the youngster train with the first team.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “Why not? Left-back is a specialist position and the young man has got quality, why not have him training?
“It’s a position that you need cover for because being a lefty is very difficult. It is difficult to get quality left footers. If he can be part of the squad and he’s not overawed and he can play his part, why not get him in?
“We’ve seen Everton do it before with 16-year-old’s, Wayne Rooney being one of them. Why not with this young man?”
The only other out and out left-back currently available to Carlo Ancelotti is summer signing Niels Nkounkou but for some unknown reason, the Toffees boss isn’t selecting the 20-year-old.
Small has impressed this season in the Under 18 Premier League as the full-back has managed to notch three goals in his eight outings.
The 16-year-old has also made four appearances for the Toffees’ Under 23 side in which he has also managed to find the net on one occasion.
Small is looking like one of the hottest prospects at the club but a first-team chance this season may come too soon for the youngster as Everton face a crucial remainder of the season in their effort to secure a top-four finish.
With Ancelotti unwilling to give Nkounkou a chance it is doubtful that he will hand a debut to a vastly inexperienced 16-year-old.
Perhaps Small could be given a chance when Everton take on Rotherham in the third round FA Cup with Toffees fans waiting to see this new talent in action.
In other Everton news, Campbell has given his verdict on Sami Khedira’s recent Everton comments.