Why Braiden Graham is closer than ever to Everton chance after Stockport scenes

Braiden Graham did his first-team chances no harm in Everton Under-21s' 6-3 defeat to Stockport Country.

The young Blues faced the League One side in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday.

They were 3-0 down at half-time before the Northern Irish star's heroics got them level.

However, David Hughes' side ultimately succumbed to the quality of their opposition at Edgeley Park.

David Moyes will still have to pay attention to what Graham did in the contest.

He is surely closer than ever to a breakthrough for the senior side after these latest scenes.

What did Braiden Graham do in Everton Under-21s' defeat to Stockport?

Graham started his exploits with an assist, before adding two goals to get his side back into the clash.

He set up Joel Catesby with a clever cross, before converting from the penalty spot after Melvin Matos was brought down.

The 18-year-old saved the best until last, though, as he curled a brilliant effort into the net from the edge of the box in the 77th minute.

While his side went on to lose, it was particularly impressive given the standard of the opposition.

He showed that he can turn up and perform against senior players, which bodes well for his future on Merseyside.

What's next for Graham at Everton?

Graham is yet to make his senior debut, despite all the hype that he has gathered from the academy.

Moyes has raised concerns about his physicality when asked about the calls to include him in his plans, with the likes of Beto and Thierno Barry underperforming.

The obvious move seems like a loan to the third tier or League Two, so that he can learn the rigours of the professional game and come back as a better player.

If he can thrive in one of those divisions, he will be more ready to feature for the Toffees, more so than if he was stuck playing academy football this season.

He has shown that he can perform against Football League opposition, so the chance to do it week in, week out must be next on the agenda.

That is the best move for his development, and give him the best chance to succeed with the L3 outfit in the long run.