By Sean Fisher

18th Nov, 2022 | 5:10pm

Everton wonderkid Ishe Samuels-Smith named in Everton squad for World Cup Sydney tour

Frank Lampard has handed 16-year-old defender Ishe Samuels-Smith a chance to shine for Everton by bringing him on the club’s trip to Australia.

While Everton’s international players jet off to Qatar for the World Cup, those not involved in the winter tournament have headed to Australia in an attempt to keep sharp for the Premier League’s return in December.

The Toffees are set to take part in the inaugural Sydney Super Cup tournament, and Lampard will likely give Samuels-Smith a chance to impress after naming him in the travelling squad. [Liverpool World]

Samuels-Smith is certainly held in high regard at Everton, and the club were delighted to secure his long-term future after fending off interest from Chelsea in the summer.

Trust in youth

It’ll be great for fans to get a glimpse or two at some of the club’s promising youngsters in this Australia trip. It’s purpose is just to maintain fitness and sharpness levels, but there’s no harm in Lampard getting a good look at which players could step up to the first team in the near future.

Samuels-Smith is certainly one that is on his radar. Lampard named him on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash against Bournemouth, although decided against bringing him on in the 4-1 defeat.

The talented left-back has been working with Ashley Cole at Goodison Park, and he’s also been a part of England’s youth setup – playing at Under-15s, Under-16s and Under17s level.

With Ruben Vinagre failing to have the impact Lampard desired after his summer move, the Toffees boss may want to challenge Vitaliy Mykolenko’s position as a starter with a hungry youngster.

The Blues play Celtic in the Sydney Super Cup on Sunday before facing Western Sydney Warriors next week. Samuels-Smith will hope to be involved in both.