Carlo Ancelotti has dropped a hint that Niels Nkounkou will be given the chance to prove he is ready for the Premier League by featuring against West Ham in the League Cup next week.
The young left-back earned plenty of plaudits following his more than impressive debut against Salford City in the Carabao Cup recently.
The 19-year-old then backed that performance up with another solid display in the same competition against Fleetwood Town on Wednesday night.
Signed from Marseille over the summer, it appears Nkounkou will drop out of the starting line-up for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace tomorrow, with Lucas Digne expected to return.
However, speaking ahead of the Palace game on Friday afternoon, Ancelotti indicated that the youngster will start against West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
He said: "He did well. Surprising most of the people because most of the people didn't know him.
“The next step will be to have a test in the Premier League games.
"Next Wednesday we play versus a Premier League team so that could be a good test for him."
Everton overcame League One Fleetwood 5-2 on Wednesday to book their place in the last-16.
While West Ham United, who are of course managed by former Blues boss David Moyes, have eased past Charlton Athletic and Hull City to reach round four.
What have you made of Niels Nkounkou so far? Have your say in the comments section below.
