The Jordan Pickford path namesake George is following at Everton after confirmed transfer 'coup'

George Pickford has sealed another short-term loan exit away from Everton.

The young goalkeeper is very much one for the future and has yet to challenge for a place in the senior squad.

Pickford spent time on loan with Southport last season, making six appearances in total.

That was the 19-year-old's first taste of senior football, having otherwise been used in Everton's age-grade sides.

Pickford has featured regularly for Everton Under-21s, including 14 Premier League 2 appearances last season and six outings in all competitions this term.

He has now been granted permission to gain further experience elsewhere down the English football pyramid.

Who has George Pickford joined on loan?

Pickford kept a clean sheet for Southport against Hereford in just his second senior appearance.

He will now link up with AFC Fylde, who ply their trade in the National League.

Everton and Fylde confirmed the news via their official websites on Saturday morning.

Pickford could make his debut as early as Saturday afternoon when Fylde take on Boreham Wood.

There is a slight irony to that as the teenage stopper impressed for Everton U21s in a penalty-shootout win over the same opponents last month, saving a spot-kick.

Speaking to Fylde's official website, who hailed the move as a "coup", manager Craig Mahon said: "We're delighted to welcome George Pickford to the club.

"George is a goalkeeper who we feel will add real quality to the group, and we're looking forward to working with him.

"We've got a strong group of goalkeepers here, and adding George gives us further competition and strength in an important position."

The Jordan Pickford path George Pickford is following

George has a long way to go to come close to emulating namesake Jordan Pickford, of course.

But everyone has to start somewhere, which was very much the case for Jordan when he spent spells at various clubs way down the pyramid in the early days of his Sunderland career.

He started out at Darlington and then played for Alfreton Town.

Only then did he start moving upwards as he represented Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and then Preston North End.

Jordan will no doubt be the first to tell you how valuable that experience was so early in his career.

George is under contract with Everton for another couple of years and it is now down to him to show what he can do elsewhere.

If he impresses, a move to a club further up the pyramid would then be the natural next step.