Kevin Campbell wants Ellis Simms to get Everton chance in Dominic Calvert-Lewin absence for relegation battle
Kevin Campbell believes Ellis Simms deserves a chance for Everton in their relegation battle and feels he has a “big part to play” this season.
The Toffees currently sit in the relegation zone on goal difference alone, with only 19 goals scored so far this season – the lowest total among the entire top flight.
The club recalled academy starlet Simms from a loan spell with Sunderland in January to boost their attacking options, and while speaking to talkSPORT (8:12am, 10 March) Campbell feels he deserves the chance to replace the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack as he wants the club to try everything to find a solution to their goal problem.
“They just don’t have anybody up there who makes a difference,” he said.
“They put Demarai Gray up through the middle against Nottingham Forest and he done okay, scored a penalty. He carries a threat.
“That’s the issue guys. Calvert-Lewin is the saviour but he can’t keep himself fit. By that time, how long do you wait?
“There’s a young lad there Ellis Simms who I think should get a chance as well, because you have to try everything. Because you know what, God forbid the worst thing happens and you don’t try him, you’re going to say to yourself.. open all the drawers and try everything.
“I think Ellis Simms might have a big part to play if Dominic Calvert-Lewin isn’t quite right.”
Chances
It’s a real catch 22 of a situation for Everton right now in their fight against the drop.
Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems are not a new thing for the team to deal with, and most of these players are probably more used to playing without him in the team than with him.
But that leaves Sean Dyche looking for alternatives and so far he has given all of Neal Maupay, Simms and Demarai Gray a chance but Simms got the short straw with his only start coming at Anfield in the Merseyside derby.
Maupay hasn’t cut it at all, and Gray has played well in his only start but he’s naturally a winger. Simms deserves a short run in the side to show if he is capable of making a difference to the side’s fortunes in front of goal.
But Everton need experience in the team to battle against relegation and Dyche needs to know he can rely on people. It’s a tough call to make, but considering results aren’t changing too much we have to try something to get new results.