Sky Sports pundit eyes Ellis Simms Everton impact amid Sunderland recall question
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Ellis Simms can be a factor for Everton next season after his loan at Sunderland but a January recall isn’t the right move, says Kevin Campbell.
The 21-year-old has scored five for the Championship club so far this season, after netting seven in all competitions with Hearts in the second half of last season, raising questions about whether he could be an answer to the Toffees goalscoring issues.
But Sky Sports pundit Campbell thinks it would be counterproductive to end the current loan move early and is instead eyeing the summer for Simms to return and take a place in the first team.
As to whether the forward needs to be brought back he exclusively told Goodison News: “No, not at the moment.
“Ellis Simms getting minutes under his belt, starting games, is more important for his development.
“In the summer there’s going to be wholesale changes because there’s quite a few players out of contract.
“So Ellis Simms with a couple of seasons under his belt playing football, then he can become a factor.
“But I don’t think a recall, to put all that pressure on him, I can’t see that happening.”
Loans with League One, SPFL and Championship teams over the past three seasons have so far yielded 20 goals for the young Everton forward.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems continuing and other attackers struggling to provide a regular supply of goals there will be hopes that Simms can help address that.
There appear to be a few options coming through the ranks with Tom Cannon also showing signs of quality but Frank Lampard needs help now.