- Moyes admits regret over recalling Harrison Armstrong from his Preston loan.
- Injuries forced Everton to cut short impressive Championship development.
- Teenage midfielder Armstrong relishes learning from Grealish at Finch Farm.
Everton’s January transfer window was quiet. The only arrival was Tyrique George on loan from Chelsea, and injuries left David Moyes short of options. One of the decisions he had to make was bringing back a young midfielder from a loan spell where he was thriving.
Harrison Armstrong had been impressing at Preston North End, making 13 starts in the Championship. But on New Year’s Day, Everton recalled the 19-year-old. David Moyes has now explained why it was a difficult but necessary call.
David Moyes: ‘I’m disappointed I had to bring him back’
Speaking to the Lancashire Post, the Everton manager did not hide his regret at cutting short Armstrong’s development at Deepdale.
“Harrison was great and I’m disappointed that I had to bring him back,” David Moyes said.
“When you look at how short of players we were over January… we didn’t make any signings in January, we brought one player (in) on loan.”
That one player was Tyrique George, a winger from Chelsea. With injuries mounting, Moyes needed bodies in his squad.
“So, it was difficult for us really deal without him. I know he’d done so well,” he added. “I think it’s just been disappointing that they’ve maybe just not done as well in the second half. But I think Paul (Heckingbottom) has done a brilliant job and I think they’ll be stronger next year if they get the chance to go again.”
David Moyes knows Preston well. He managed them from 1998 to 2002 and came within 90 minutes of taking them to the Premier League. His respect for Heckingbottom’s work is clear, but Everton’s needs came first.
Harrison Armstrong learning from Jack Grealish and David Moyes
Since returning, the West Derby lad has become the first Scouser to play in a competitive match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He has been used mainly out wide, deputising for the injured Jack Grealish.
Harrison Armstrong is making the most of the opportunity. “I’m like a sponge around him,” he said of Moyes. “He’s worked with some unbelievable players and won big competitions. I’m just coming in every day ready to learn from him, as well as the staff and the rest of the lads here.”
On playing wide instead of his preferred central midfield role, he sees the value. “Jack is an unbelievable player and just a good person – someone I can learn a lot from. Playing out wide has given me certain lessons to help me for the future, for when I maybe go back into midfield – learning what those players working next to me need.”
Moyes has shown trust in the youngster. Now Harrison Armstrong wants to repay it. With Everton pushing for Europe and seven games left, he may get more chances to prove why his recall was worth it.
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