Everton's sought-after academy keeper signs first pro contract

The chances of making the Everton matchday squad are quite high if you're a goalkeeper... this was how we fought off competition from the likes of City. Clever tactics, Mr Dyche.

With that in mind, I would expect a hot young prospect in the right-back position to be signed up in the coming days.

ps: Despite it being commonplace for years, I still can't get used to seeing keepers in short sleeves.

Let's hope he makes a career. If not with Everton, then in professional football.

I can see the club sending him out on loan.

Not seen him play yet but obviously highly regarded by international coaches and other top clubs.

Good luck to him though, and yes he will be loaned out I assume.

There's bound to be a place on the first-team bench at some point this season.

Fair play to the lad.

He already has 2 goals and 4 assists in six appearances for their U21s this season.

Could he be the one that got away?

I expect Lawrence would be in our first team squad by now - getting first team minutes, or perhaps doing a Championship loan. He is one of many outstanding youngsters in the City academy.

Like Morgan Rogers now doing so well at Villa, it wouldn't be a surprise if Lawrence never breaks through at City but does well elsewhere.

He needs to be sent out on a sensible loan as soon as the club thinks he's ready.

I was big for my age at 11, 12, 13, tallest in the year, played hooker at rugby, but at 14 I stopped growing and by 16 was one of the smallest.

Genes I guess? Me Dad was tall but me Mum short and I came out in between. My sisters grew like me Dad and are taller than me.

I was musing if there was some way of predicting but I guess there is generally a lottery element to it. Remember some great goalies in junior football. Must be horrible if your dreams just peter out when your growth spurt never materialises.