Ellis Simms describes feeling of making Everton debut against Chelsea
Everton youngster Ellis Simms has revealed how he felt after being given his first-team debut against Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Toffees squad was hit by several injuries and illnesses, meaning Rafa Benitez was forced to name a very young starting lineup at Stamford Bridge last week.
Simms was one of the players named in the starting team, being given the role as the central striker in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Cenk Tosun.
Simms lasted an hour on his debut, going off with the game at 0-0 before the late drama saw the game end with a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to EvertonTV, Simms revealed that he was in the changing room when he found out he was starting the game and hailed club legend Duncan Ferguson for giving him advice.
“I was in the changing room and the manager read the team out,” he said. “I heard my name and I just thought to myself, ‘This is really happening’.
“I tried to stay focused, stay relaxed and embrace it because big nights like these are what you dream of and what you work for.
“I’ve been training hard and obviously now we have a few injuries up front, so there’s an opportunity there.
“I’ve been working hard and to let the manager know that I felt ready. I feel ready to take the step up to the Premier League.
“Duncan Ferguson was a brilliant player and, of course, he’s a massive Evertonian.
“He’s been giving me little tips in training, telling me to keep working hard and the opportunity will come. Thankfully, it did against Chelsea.”
Pathway
Something Everton have always been good at is creating a pathway for youth players to make it to the first-team and Benitez deserves credit for doing that again.
Simms likely won’t feature much this season when everyone is fit, but he knows it is possible to make it if he continues to work hard and dedicate himself to get better.
Benitez knows who he is and will surely keep track of him, and Simms’ performance will mean that he won’t be scared to throw him in again if needed.
Everton fans have a bright future ahead of them with this crop of youngsters, and Simms is at the top of that list.
In other Everton news, Everton youngsters backed to force senior players to step up or be embarrassed.