Is Liam Walsh the "special talent"?

Like you, Paul, I was impressed by Liam Walsh who was very lively and always demanding the ball, reminded me of Alan Ball a bit in his attitude. Again being small and slight he struggled a bit against much bigger physical opponents.

Though Henen showed touches, I thought he looked very ordinary.

My standout players were Antonee Robinson, Michael Donohue, Kieran Dowell and Ryan Ledson.

I thought Kieron Dowell was superb. I hope you're right Paul, and Liam Walsh is a special talent because it looks to me that we might have two!

Early days indeed but Dowell was excellent. He seemed to have so much time on the ball and his awareness of what was happening and ability to spread killer passes was great to watch. I think I heard Sharpy say he was 17. If so, and (big 'if', I know) he continues to develop, then this lad could become our "Number 10".

Where is Sam Byrne these days?

Long way to go, the hard work will not bother him, just needs the bit of luck that every player needs, like you Paul I don't like to go overboard about young players but I'm keeping my fingers crossed or this young lad.

At Everton we've got more reason to be sceptical because of the amount of players that burst on the scene only to disappear as quickly as they came; think of Cadamateri, Jeffers, Kenny, Rodwell, even James Vaughan although injuries put paid to his career.

But I will keep an eye out for him; fingers crossed, local lad -- what's not to like?

Interesting to me that you didn't mention Ledson as a stand out performer; as I was hopeful this would be a breakthrough year for this lad. But, as you say, perhaps we've all been focused on the wrong direction.

Why is he only coming on as sub though in these games; has he just been promoted from the Under-18s?

I'm starting to think Dowell will be the one we will see more of over the next couple of seasons. I can't believe he's only 17.

I don't really know that much about Walsh but will keep an eye out for his progress from now on in.

Like other clubs, it is difficult for younger players to break through simply because management will usually select the big transfer or big wage players first; if a young prospect gets an opportunity, he is expected to set the world on fire immediately and if not he is sent back to the bench or the ''reserves''. This is what happens at Chelski and many of the young players are sent out on loan all over the place, hardly ever getting an opportunity to progress.

I am sure many youngsters would sooner have been with a smaller club where they can get a game every week and show their abilities regularly giving them the opportunity to advance their careers.

This could be a real boost to our team, and makes it more important than ever to hold on to our core (see Stones).

Ideally, these players will be phased in to take the places of Osman, Barry and Pienaar without too much pressure.

If we suceed in bringing them through, then we can focus our transfer funds on key players rather than squad fillers.

Suspect one if not both if them might be out on loan this year. Possibly to Spain...

It is always interesting to know about the kid's development.

My only concern in your report is the inability to deal with crosses which is becoming a common thread of Martinez led tactics.

Should we notify Martin and Roy now before it's too late?

If so then it is likely to be Antony Evans, 16 , first year scholar, 5 goals in 4 U21 games and to even be playing at U21 level at his age marks him as a talent. Just how special we have yet to see, but very highly rated by those who saw him at U16 level.

I still think Ledson will be a good bet as a first team player simply because he is so focused. The kid is a born winner, I remember thinking how cool he was taking the first penalty for England in the final against the Dutch. Jonjoe Kenny also starred in that team but, like Walsh, could do with drinking more milk.

The ToffeeWeb match reporting is second to none.

By-and-large the skill difference on players getting to this level is between 99.0 and 99.9 on a scale of 100. It is how they apply themselves, how much they want it, and how much they are prepared to not be "lads growing up" or being satisfied with a couple of hundred thousand before they are 22 which they can bet or drink away.

So that will be why Ryan Ledson could make it and the likes of a Jose Baxter or a Billy Kenny never did. Maturity comes to most of us, eventually, but, as Billy would probably agree, too late for some.

Think of Ball, Collins, Bremner, Giles etc, they never wilted when the game got harder. I'm not saying Jonjoe and Liam are as good as them players but the physicality won't go against them.

I was asked to go and view a young Australian U-19 bowler, who was available. I reported back, that he was very fast, but wild and undisciplined, and that he would never amount to anything.

We didn't sign him; which was a pity, as his name was Brett Lee !

The serious point is, that the progression from promising youngster to 1st team regular, seems to have as much to do with desire and discipline, as it does with raw talent.