David Moyes has urged patience with Everton’s younger squad members and has called on Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling and Hayden Hackney to make the most of their opportunities.
George, Dibling and Hackney have struggled for starts in recent weeks with none of the trio featuring from the start since the goalless draw with Tottenham in September.
George started the season brightly but has since lost his place to Brennan Johnson, while Hackney and Dibling have one league start combined, and only 180 minutes of Premier League football.
Moyes said the fanbase should have no concerns over his use of the trio, insisting he has a proven track record of gradually developing first-team figures.
“My history would suggest – Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Tim Cahill – all those ones who came in might’ve had to wait a bit of time before they became first-team regulars,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Arsenal.
“I’m not saying these players have to do that. But hopefully, they develop as well as those boys did.
“When they come on, hopefully they can show what they’re capable of.”
One name who has taken their chance this season is Harrison Armstrong. The midfielder has started all seven Premier League games and Moyes said the 19-year-old is maturing ahead of schedule.
“He’s a really intelligent boy for his age and he’s got a lot of football intelligence.
“He’s so adaptable for us and he easily takes in information for us. He’s absolutely stepped ahead of where we thought he’d be. I’m on at him about getting goals and assists, playing forward more often.
“Harrison’s done really well and he’s maturing.”
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