Everton may have to lean more heavily on their academy after emerging from the transfer window with a small senior squad, David Moyes has admitted.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United, Moyes acknowledged that players throughout his squad are going to have to “muck in” over the coming months.
And that could include some of the club’s youngsters.
Graham not viewed as centre-forward answer
“We have some academy players we’ll be using,” Moyes said, before adding a significant caveat over whether they are ready for the first team.
Braiden Graham is one of the obvious names.
The 18-year-old was prolific for Everton’s youth sides last season, earned his first senior Northern Ireland call-up and was involved with Moyes’s squad during pre-season.
Given Everton’s shortage of centre-forwards, his name was inevitably raised.
Moyes indicated that Everton like Graham and have been pleased with his progress, but he does not currently view the youngster as a centre-forward option for his first team. He sees him as a wider player.
That is significant given the lack of alternatives to Thierno Barry.
Everton have named only 19 senior players in their Premier League squad, three of whom are goalkeepers. Youngsters including Harrison Armstrong, Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George can be used without occupying one of those places.
Moyes has already confirmed Everton are looking at the free-agent market. Until another striker arrives, Barry remains the only recognised senior No.9.
The academy may have to help Moyes cope with a small squad – but Graham does not appear to be the immediate answer to Everton’s striker problem.
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