David Unsworth believes Beni Baningime has the potential to be a 'top player' but insists he needs a consistent run of appearances after a difficult 12-month period.
Baningime, 21, joined Wigan Athletic on loan last January but injury meant he made just one appearance before returning to Everton.
A move to Denmark subsequently fell through during the summer before suffering a fresh setback that ruled him out until the New Year.
After returning to under-23 action in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal at Southport this month, Unsworth is hopeful Baningime will enjoy better luck in his development.
"He was a bit rusty," Unsworth told the ECHO. "That was his first game back after a week training and he just can't seem to get a run of games.
"The problem is he's got all the potential to be a top, top player. He just needs a break.
"He keeps getting injured at the wrong time. For a young player they need a sustained period of games and not getting injured to show what they're best at."
Contracted until 2022, the midfielder, who was handed his first-team debut by Unsworth in 2017, is targeting a switch away from Goodison Park during the current transfer window.
"If Beni stays, if Beni goes on loan again, that's not my decision," Unsworth admitted.
"But whoever he plays for he's a top-class young player."
