Ryan Ledson – I really look up to James McCarthy
Evertons young hope for the future Ryan Ledson has spoken of his pride at captaining England in winning the Under 17 European Championships last year, even though it came at the expense of making his Everton debut in the Premier League.
The young midfielder was set to make his debut against Hull City or go to the European Championships and they chose country over club.
“It was a decision Gareth Southgate and the manager had to make about me going,” he said. “They had to decide whether I made my debut for the first team at Hull at the end of the season or went to the European Championships.
“Personally I would have liked to have made my debut, but you can’t take away winning the European Championships. It was unbelievable.
“Wayne Rooney’s a great player and I don’t think I’ll have the career he’s going to have! But I just have to keep my head down.”
“We train sometimes with the first team but we always see the lads around the building and they are all good lads,” added Ledson.
“I probably look towards James McCarthy – the same position as me, the same type of player. He’s brilliant. Last season he was probably one of our best players.
“But if you also look at the likes of Tyias Browning and Luke Garbutt now who are in the first team changing room now and training with them every day.
“The gaffer likes bringing young players through. He did it at Wigan and he’s doing it at Everton. It gives all the lads in the 21s a boost.”
Ledson wasn’t born when his current coach David Unsworth won the FA Cup, but that hasn’t stopped the youngster researching his academy boss.
“I’ve seen a few things on television about him. He was a good player, very tough and very strong and I think that’s what he ‘s trying to instil in us.
“He’s always in the gym and keeps as fit as anything and I think that sets an example for us, makes us work hard.
“He’s a great coach. We look forward to coming into training. He’s always dead bubbly and lively and he has us playing really well.”
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