With his typically clinical finish in an FA Youth Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion last month, young Everton forward Ellis Simms equalled a feat which hadn't been achieved since Wayne Rooney was tearing up the competition in 2002.
The tall, pacy centre-forward scored in a fourth successive Youth Cup tie - only Everton's subsequent 4-3 defeat preventing him from eclipsing Rooney's 17-year-old record. (Stat courtesy of @EFC_Statto)
But it isn't just the Youth Cup in which Simms has proved prolific.
"He does the hardest thing in the game, which is putting the ball in the back of the net," said Everton Under-23 boss David Unsworth after Ellis Simms marked his debut at the older age group with another goal against Brighton in December.
The day Ellis Simms scored four in a 10-0 win!
But at Under-18 level Simms' record is something not seen since the days of Brylcreemed centre-parts and boots with Dubbin.
He scored another hat-trick today in a 3-1 defeat of West Brom, as Paul Tait's young charges kept up their pursuit of Premier League Under-18 leaders Derby County.
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The Baggies have been Simms' favourite opponents this season. He hammed four against them earlier this season and scored two in another clash against the Midlanders, part of a remarkable tally of 26 goals in 17 PL U-18 appearances.
Records are incomplete at Under-18 level, but in all competitions Simms appears to have grabbed a staggering 34 goals in 23 games in all competitions.
After plundering four goals in a 7-1 rout of Newcastle, which took his tally for the campaign to 16 goals in just nine matches this season, Simms earned a call up to what could be considered his first senior match.
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Everton played in the Checkatrade Trophy in October with an U21s side against Oldham Athletic senior squad - who play in Football League 2.
The young Blues went 2-0 up in the first-half and dominated the game but were pegged back in the second period before eventually losing 3-2 in a dramatic turnaround.
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Simms came on with 15 minutes to go when the match was level and the young Toffees were on the back foot.
His pace and movement appeared to change the game and spark the Blues fightback.
Oldham-born, Ellis started his career with Manchester City before moving to Blackburn Rovers in 2017.
A short stay at Blackburn saw him play one match for their Under-18s against Wolves.
At 16 he was then announced as a new scholar for the 2017-18 season at Everton after a trial.
He could play internationally for England, Poland or Jamaica though he is yet to feature at international level.
"I’m delighted for Ellis Simms," said Unsworth after that U23s game introduction.
"He’s a great lad and he’s done a great job tonight. We wanted to give him an opportunity, he has been scoring a lot of goals last season and certainly this season."
He hasn't stopped.
