Paul Tait has spoken of his pride after Tom Cannon made his Everton first-team debut and is hoping more chances will fall the way of the club’s youngsters in the coming months.
Cannon impressed in his first season as a fully-fledged Everton under-23 player last year, scoring eight goals in 23 appearances to finish as the team's leading marksman. He has continued his impressive form this season.
And after bagging nine goals for Tait's side, Cannon was handed his first-team debut during last week’s Carabao Cup defeat to Bournemouth when he replaced Neal Maupay with nine minutes remaining.
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Cannon then capped off a memorable 24 hours by bagging a brace as Everton under-21s came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain at Walton Hall Park a day later. And an incredible week for the youngster then got even better when he made his Premier League vow off the bench against the Cherries.
“I love him as a lad, but I hope so. I hope I have seen the last of him. He’s done great and I am delighted for him and his family,” Tait said when asked about the forward.
“He’s been with us since 10 and an absolute diamond of a lad and a really good player as well. He’s getting minutes in the first-team and that is all we can ask.”
And the Everton under-21s boss is hoping both Cannon and Stanley Mills, who are currently away in Australia with Frank Lampard’s side, will be given more first-team opportunities when the season resumes.
He said: “I think the pathway has always been there at the club. We have always given young players an opportunity in my time here.
“But they have to be good enough, that is the simple truth. They have to go in and have an impact. They have to make a difference.
“Hopefully Tom and Stan who are around that at the moment get more opportunities after the break and they can make a real difference.”
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