Everton saw 2022 out with a bang when they shared points with Manchester City at the Etihad on New Years’ Eve and Frank Lampard will be hoping that the well-fought draw will be a confidence booster for his team heading into 2023.

Despite the crucial point collected, the Toffees are still not in a comfortable position in the Premier League and remain just two points clear of the bottom three in 16th with the third-worst goal tally in the entire top flight.

As a result, it would be a no-brainer for the Everton boss to seek out opportunities to strengthen his squad - especially in the attacking threat - whilst the transfer window is open this month.

However, Lampard already may have his striker solution as it was confirmed yesterday that Sunderland loanee and Everton academy graduate Ellis Simms has been recalled to Goodison Park just a few months into his season-long loan at the Stadium of Light.

It comes as no surprise that Everton have called back their young goal machine ahead of the second half of the season as Simms has become a stand-out performer in the Championship who in the words of journalist Josh Bunting, could now take the "Premier League by storm".

Over 17 appearances, the 21-year-old ace has scored seven goals, registered two assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging 1.9 shots on goal and winning 3.9 duels per game.

Not only that, of Championship players who are aged 21 or under only Joao Pedro (8) has scored more goals than Simms this season, according to WhoScored.

The Everton youngster is no stranger to scoring as he has already tallied up 82 over this career so far and registered nine assists in 149 appearances with a goal contribution every 114 minutes so far - proving that he could be exactly what Lampard needs.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered multiple injury issues over the last 18 months and Richarlison’s exit in the summer has weakened Everton in front of goal so the return of Simms is a chance not to be squandered for Lampard.

The young forward has never been seen under the former Chelsea boss yet but now has a golden opportunity to stake his claim. He must take it as Everton look to put themselves back on track.