Everton's head of academy player development, Dave Hughes, believes the club's under-21 side is making progress - but there is still work to be done. The young Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat to League Two Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night after Josh Ruffels scored just before the hour-mark.
Forward Justin Clarke was one of several players from Hughes' squad who received valuable minutes as he continues to regain full fitness after a lengthy lay-off. And Hughes said: "In certain aspects of the game we were really good."
Hughes: 'We looked a real threat'
"When we played forward with a bit more purpose, certainly in the first 20 minutes of the second half, we looked a real threat and posed them problems. When we turned down the opportunities to play through and slowed the game down a little bit, we allowed them to start to get on top of us and that's where their goal came from."
"With young players you are trying to eradicate individual errors. We've had a really hectic three weeks, it's been full-on with loads of work out on the grass and indoors. It's been relentless for the players but we've got to keep working. We're trying to improve individuals to get them on the journey to where they aspire to be and our part in that is to keep challenging them and stretching them."
Holmgaard signs new contract
Meanwhile, Karen Holmgaard has signed a new one-year contract with Everton Women as she continues her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Holmgaard picked up the injury during their FA Cup win against West Bromwich Albion in January and hasn't played since.
After signing her new deal, the Denmark international, who joined the Blues in August 2022 along with her twin sister Sara, is now eyeing a return to action. "My recovery is going really well," she told evertontv. "It is a slow process and it is all about patience, but it is going really well."
"I am not that long in my recovery. It will take a little while, but when I am back I am sure I will be so proud and I cannot wait. I am so, so excited. I am dreaming about the day I return."
Holmgaard: 'I am really proud'
"I am really proud to have signed a new contract here. I have been here for quite a long time now and have enjoyed it. Hopefully, I can come back stronger. I am just excited to be back on the pitch and help the team."
"The club means a lot to me. I have been here for four years now. I want to keep working, keep developing. I think the values I stand for are the same as Everton Football Club. I am a hard worker and I am excited to show that on the pitch when I am back."
A popular member of Scott Phelan's squad, the club's technical director Nick Cox added: "Karen is progressing well from her injury. Her results on the first day of pre-season testing were very impressive and underlines all the hard work she has put in to be back fit. She is an important part of Scott's squad. Even when she's been out, Karen has continued to support her teammates and be an influence in the dressing room. We look forward to welcoming her back on the pitch soon for her to once again showcase her talent."
