Everton’s academy is one of the most illustrious in England, having produced a wealth of talent that can still be seen spread across the Premier League today.

Their latest crop of youth talent again seems likely to follow this trend, as emphasised in the U21s' 6-0 drubbing of Hartlepool United on Tuesday in the Papa John's Trophy.

Whilst the likes of Tom Cannon and Stanley Mills will steal the show for their goalscoring exploits, to see young Matthew Mallon handed the final ten minutes by Paul Tait shows the ever-increasing faith his manager has in him.

He could soon end up pushing Kyle John for his place, or even bypassing him altogether to replace the largely underperforming Seamus Coleman now.

The 18-year-old noted on the club website that pace, strength and crossing were his main strengths down the right flank. This is something which their £55k-per-week skipper is certainly lacking, as, despite his hero status on Merseyside, he has declined with age severely.

During their midweek loss to Newcastle United, the 34-year-old did not manage a single cross and was dribbled past once.

Meanwhile, Mallon goes on from strength to strength with each passing season.

The last campaign saw him solely feature for the U18s, where across his 16 appearances he scored once and assisted another.

Since the commencement of the new campaign, it seems Tait is keen on handing him increased involvement with the U21s. He has already notched up his first assist in just four Premier League 2 appearances this term.

There were talks that he might have been released, but this summer he signed a new long-term contract where he spoke highly of his aspirations whilst at the club.

This contract marks a show of faith for the full-back who could be the future of Everton.

Speaking on the club website, he claimed: "Everton is like home to me. I've been here for such a long time. I enjoy being around the lads here, I enjoy the environment - to be able to be at a top club, like I am, and to be happy, like I am, is what you dream about."

Perhaps now he could become a dream for Frank Lampard, especially in the absence of Nathan Patterson. Opportunity beckons for the teenager.