David Unsworth has warned his Everton-U23 starlets they must perform if they are to break into Everton’s first team or earn themselves a move elsewhere.
Unsworth also praised Marco Silva for maintaining a strong relationship with the academy but told his players they must show their talents on the pitch after losing to Man City on Sunday.
Captain Morgan Feeney could lift his second Premier League 2 title next week when Brighton and Hove Albion visit Goodison Park but the U23 boss revealed every member of his squad is still searching for consistency.
“I’ve just said to the players, this team is about performing at a level of eight and nine and ten every week over a long period of time,” he replied when asked if Feeney could be one player to seek a loan move next season.
We're reacting to the great win against Arsenal HERE
“Unfortunately not many players got anywhere near that [in the 4-3 defeat against Manchester City.]
“This team is all about performing consistently and giving yourself the platform to play in our first team, train with the first team or play in someone else’s first team.
“That’s Morgan and that’s all the team. Everybody has got a career and this team is a platform to hopefully bounce into someone’s first team but when we play like that there won’t be many.”
Several young Blues have been invited to train with the senior squad this season - including Feeney, Lewis Gibson and Fraser Hornby - with Marcel Brands a regular guest at U23 games.
With both Silva and Brands keen to hand young stars their chance in first team training, Unsworth also praised the Everton boss for continuing the long-serving Goodison tradition.
Everton fans slam Jamie Redknapp after comments following win over Arsenal
“It’s great. It’s something that’s always happened at our club since I’ve been here,” he added. “It always happened when I was a player.
“Marco is doing the same which is fantastic but then you’re judged on performances in games.
“Today we were second best, beaten by the better team, and we unfortunately David Unsworth slams Everton U23's ‘schoolboy’ defending at Man City but promises tasty title showdown
