Ryan Astley has revealed his ambition to train with Rafa Benitez and the Everton first-team after signing a new two-year contract.
The 19-year-old was named under-23 player of the season by David Unsworth last term as his form also earned him a call-up to the Wales under-21 set-up.
Astley admitted Unsworth and former Everton full-back Leighton Baines - who was named professional development coach after his retirement in 2020 - have been positive influences on his development and outlined his determination to improve.
Astley told evertonfc.com : “I feel like I’m one of the senior players now [in the u-23s] and, if I can make a good impression on the younger players and help them, then I’d like to do that.
“Next season, I just want to play as many games as I can and hopefully get the chance to train with the first-team as that will only help my game.”
He continued: "I’m so happy the club has put the trust in me to give me this new contract.
“The people around the club are great to listen to if you want to learn. All of them have got great experience.
“David Unsworth has been huge for me. He was a great defender and, as our u-23s manager, he’s been an important influence.
“Also, Leighton Baines, since he has come in, has been a big positive. I take in as much from him as I can.
“You look at the career he had and the consistency he showed, anything you can take from him is a plus. He’s a very good coach.
“I just want to keep improving as much as I can, push on and see the levels I can reach.”
