Tom Cannon ready to fill shoes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton after first international call-up
Everton gem Tom Cannon has been rewarded for his exemplary form while on loan at Preston North End with a first call-up to the Republic of Ireland international team.
Cannon, 20, was sent out to the Lilywhites in the January transfer window after Ellis Simms was recalled from his Sunderland loan, and the striker’s path to the first team was subsequently blocked.
And although Farhad Moshiri and Everton made several glaring mistakes during the winter window, the club got the youngster’s loan destination spot on.
However, the next step of the attacker’s career is crucial, and the club must try to assimilate him into the first team as the future heir to Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Merseyside.
Cannon has proven himself a hit at Deepdale since joining in January, netting eight goals from just 20 Championship appearances.
His blistering form in front of goal evidently caught the attention of Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, who named the Everton academy graduate in his 22-man squad for their upcoming Bristol Training Camp.
Cannon will certainly be a popular asset in the summer transfer window, with Alan Nixon sharing on his Patreon [23 April] that he was a “wanted man” by Swansea, with a “cash offer” potentially on the cards.
Despite some lucrative offers potentially coming the Toffees’ way, they must resist the temptation to sell the striker and instead start bedding him into the first team next season.
Calvert-Lewin has endured another injury-riddled campaign despite his recent upturn in form, and having a player of Cannon’s class waiting in the wings takes the pressure off the Englishman’s shoulders.
Everton are still no closer to figuring out whether they will be playing Premier League or Championship football next season, but one thing’s for sure, Cannon is ready for an opportunity to shine on the Goodison Park stage.