Ross returns a 'better player'

Lyndon Lloyd , 21 November, 12comments | Jump to most recent

Ross Barkley believes that he has benefited enormously from his spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and returns to Everton a better player for the experience.

Still only 18, the midfielder is regarded as the brightest prospect among the Blues' recent Academy graduates but, having seen Jose Baxter fail to make the Premier League grade at the first try and Jack Rodwell's career stall after such a promising start, David Moyes is keen to bring Barkley along cautiously.

After making a promising debut at the beginning of last season, Barkley saw his first-team opportunities evaporate thanks initially to Moyes's belief that the first team was too much, too soon for the then 17 year-old but primarily to injury.

Now back to full fitness and with the experience of playing for England U19s in the European Championships in Estonia over the summer, Ross has just spent two-and-a-half months on loan at Hillsborough, making 13 appearances for the Championship side, and scoring four goals..

"I enjoyed it," the Barkley told evertontv. "I was there for two months and it was valuable experience, which I needed because playing in the Under-21s, it's good, but you need to be playing competitive football for points.

"It helped. By going away I feel like I've turned into a better player. I've learned quite a lot in a short space of time.

"The players talk more because they're fighting for points and [Wednesday] were low in the league and trying to get up. Also with the Under-21s, it's not really as physical as it is in the Championship, and it's much better playing in front of crowds too."

Ross was also heartened by the fact that Moyes made a point of watching him play in Sheffield while he was on loan.

"It was nice to know he was watching. It shows he wants to know how I'm getting on, how I'm progressing and how I'm learning.

"Now I just want to make an impression. I believe I'm better prepared now, more consistent.

"The manager's just said to do what I'm doing in training, do what I'm doing in matches and be ready to take my chance."

Barkley was recalled from his month-to-month loan at Wednesday by Everton following injuries to Kevin Mirallas and Phil Neville, not to mention the slow recovery of Darron Gibson from a troublesome thigh problem.

Gibson hopes to be in contention for his first start since 1st September when the Blues face Norwich City this weekend after coming through 63 minutes for Everton's U21s earlier this week.

Quotes or other material sourced from Sky Sports

Reader Comments (12)

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James Flynn
1 Posted 22/11/2012 at 00:37:52

Proof's in the pudding youngster. We're not asking for the world from a teenager.

Daniel Russell
2 Posted 22/11/2012 at 11:34:54

Let's take advantage of his match fitness while he has it and get him straight in there. I can see him making a real impact if Moyes gives him a start.

Vijay Badhan
3 Posted 22/11/2012 at 16:23:13

Glad to have him back in the squad as — with all the injuries to Mirallas, Gibson and now the suspension of Fellaini — we are running a little short of numbers in that area. Imo, given time, he could really develop into a top player for us; his style of play would compliment the midfield perfectly and, given time, he could replace Fellaini if he decides to go at the end of the season.

Tom Evans
4 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:28:03

Take off the cotton wool, David. Get him in the team. His enthusiasm alone will spark the others into life.

Ian Bennett
5 Posted 22/11/2012 at 19:53:30

It's a great point about match fitness.

Alan Newton
6 Posted 22/11/2012 at 22:04:13

I'm with you guys on getting him straight in there. I honestly don't think he would look back and would give us something very different

I don't go along with this whole cautiously, cautiously crap. Rooney was under-played and clearly had the ability whilst Rodders – who suffered injuries – could really have had more game time.

The only way to bring players on is to give them games – not exposing them to the first team and leaving them on the bench. He's been out on loan to get games and proved what he can do. Give him a go whilst he still has the taste, freshness and confident mood. He may just build on it quickly. He may have naivety in his teens but we also learn quickly when we are young.

Get him in there.

Tony J Williams
7 Posted 23/11/2012 at 09:06:48

Rooney underplayed? In 2002-03 he made 37 appearances and in 2003-04 he made 40. Not really conducive to your comment.

Rodders was put in all the time he was uninjured... which wasn't a lot of time.

Saturday is the best time for him to get a game, hopefully he will.

Steve King
8 Posted 23/11/2012 at 09:20:35

I've got to agree with Tony with regards to Rooney and Rodwell, I don't think they were held back at all.

I think Saturday would be the perfect time to throw Barkley in and see what he can do.

Is Mirallas definitely out this weekend?

Steve Smith
9 Posted 23/11/2012 at 09:45:15

Even with our current injury problems, I think he'll still start on the bench. If we are cruising with 20 minutes left, we might see him play.

I'm much more hopefull that we Have Gibson back and ready to start, likewise Hibbert.

I think Coleman needs to be moved further up the pitch or not play at all. At the moment, he's struggling at right back, and I think his lack of confidence is leading to more mistakes.

Kieran Fitzgerald
10 Posted 23/11/2012 at 10:33:33

I agree with Steve. I can't see him getting ahead of Naismith and Osman to start. I would be happy to see him get some game time and to see Hitzlsperger get a full game if Gibson isn't fully ready. I don't see any point in rushing Gibson back if Hitzlsperger can do a job.

Andy Meighan
11 Posted 23/11/2012 at 11:18:19

Not a prayer he'll start. Moyes wouldn't trust him. No, it'll be Naismith and possibly Hitzlsperger if Mirallas isn't fit. I just hope he is.

Mike Powell
12 Posted 23/11/2012 at 16:09:03

I hope he has improved because he as been poor every time he as played. This is his chance to prove to us all that he has got it and to cut out those silly mistakes he makes.

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