Long hoping to catch Martinez's eye

Lyndon Lloyd , 15 July, 10comments | Jump to most recent

Academy striker Chris Long is one of the players who has joined the first-team at Everton's pre-season training camp in Austria and he is hopeful of breaking into the senior squad and landing a long-term deal.

The 19 year-old has progressed through Everton's ranks to become an established member of the U21 side and was also a member of England's U20 World Cup squad last year. Now he is targeting first-team action with the Blues after getting a taste of it playing for MK Dons on loan last season.

"One of my wishes is to make my debut this season," Long told evertontv. "It's a long shot but I've got to keep working hard, impressing the manager and hopefully I can be in and around the first-team."

The Huyton-born player faces competition from his U21s teammate Conor McAleny who is also on the threshold of Martinez's first team after signing a three-year contract with the Blues but Long is just focusing on working hard and waiting for his chance.

"I aspire to [emulate McAleny] and get a three-year contract, maybe even a five-year one!" he continued.

"I need to let the manager see what I can do and hopefully I will be rewarded with something like that.

"I'm feeling good now. I'm glad to be back playing football, especially scoring goals in training."

Quotes sourced from evertontv

Reader Comments (10)

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Derek Knox
1 Posted 15/07/2014 at 18:56:51

I remember watching the National U-19's if memory serves and Chris Long looked to have some good touches and positional sense.

Again, if memory serves he was subbed for Harry Kane ( Spurs ) who I have never really rated by the way, but maybe I am biased !

Harry Kane was used in the first team by Tim Sherwood on several occasions, so I see no reason why Chris can't do likewise.

Hopefully, (which wouldn't be that difficult) to totally surpass Harry Kane !

Fingers crossed for the lad !

Tony Page
2 Posted 15/07/2014 at 19:01:04

Im sure that with Robertos positive attitude towards younger players as far as giving them a chance, these lads will prosper for Everton.

Jimmy-Ã…ge Sørheim
3 Posted 15/07/2014 at 19:52:45

It is a delicate job to root out real talent.

My personal view is that Mcaleny is my favourite to get into the first team based on his Arsenal game.

However it is mostly about form and being able to build on that form.

I have been very depressed by OFM refusing to give youth chances.

The key will be for one of our youngsters to hit the ground running come pre-season games.

I am sad to see the stagnation of Green, he was on fire when Moyes first got him, but he has kept him firmly away from the first team regardless of form, just as he did with Vellios.

This is the season where our youngsters will be given a REAL chance so they have to grab it with both hands.

I am very excited about Martinez and his focus on youth, I have complete faith in Martinez, where Moyes truly failed.

Kane Dennison
4 Posted 15/07/2014 at 21:43:50

Harry Kane got his chance in Europa League so hopefully our boys will too...

Patrick Murphy
5 Posted 15/07/2014 at 22:14:58

Derek - I think there is a lot of potential in young Kane and, as long as he doesn't become a bigtime Charlie, I believe Spurs may have a really talented young forward on their books.

Harold Matthews
6 Posted 15/07/2014 at 22:47:35

Yes Patrick. Kane looks pretty useful. As do Jenkinson of Arsenal and Michael Keane of Man Utd. Two partners of John Stones when he was with the U21s. Keane was deadly at set pieces but with no chance of a first team place, he'll probably move elsewhere. As tall as Distin, he might be worth looking at.

Garbutt was a big surprise for me last season despite the positive Doddy reports. I never thought he'd ever make it but the lad has come on a ton.

Long I don't know much about but he's always looked a natural. Stubbsy certainly rated him and the World Cup proved that you don't have to be big to be good. I wish him well and hope he manages to make an impression.
Talking about wishing. I wish we could find a Ramsey. I can't even describe what that lad does but he knows how to get on the end of things.

Colin Metcalfe
7 Posted 15/07/2014 at 23:51:16

Got to admit I have not seen Long play but, let's be honest, we are desperate for strikers, it's a specialist position and good ones are thin on the ground, especially English ones! I hope he closely watched a certain Sr Suarez last season. I can't stand the man but what a player! Phil Jagielka will sleep a lot easier now he's gone.

If we do eventually make a signing this window, surely a striker is of primary importance; if young Mr Long can step up to the plate, it will be good back up for that position. Besides, like me, he is from Huyton, so can't be that bad!!

Ant Dwyer
8 Posted 16/07/2014 at 00:39:45

Best of luck to the lad, he's at the right club with the right manager... it's in his hands.

Mike Childs
9 Posted 16/07/2014 at 21:09:18

As someone from the USA who doesn’t get a real chance to see he young guys develop I can only pray that Long gives us what Kane gave the Spurs at the end of last year.
From my seat in the USA I was stunned that the Spurs hadn’t played Kane more.

It’s obvious we aren’t going to overspend for a striker so if we an get a kid like Long 10 + goals and a bit more out of Kone we could challenge. I sure hope the rumors of Besic are true because he certainly looks like one to supplement the front line.

Andy Meighan
10 Posted 16/07/2014 at 22:42:56

Like me and Colin 7, he's a Huyton lad. So can't be all that bad. Got to be honest, though I've heard of him but never seen him. I thought by now George Green might've had a sniff but he's looking to go out on loan. Lets hope young Chris steps up to the plate.

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