This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former England international Danny Mills believes Mason Holgate must leave the club if he wants to find more game time.

What did he say?

Holgate started the away defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion because of the injury to Yerry Mina, whilst he kept his place against Watford as Michael Keane was rested. The 23-year-old has not been a regular for Everton and has only been seen more recently because of injuries.

In fact, Keane has started every league game, whilst the trip to the Amex was Mina's first time missing out in the league this season. As a result of his lack of minutes, Mills believes Holgate must leave Goodison Park.

When asked if Holgate has lived up to expectations, Mills told Football Insider: “No, maybe he needs another loan spell or whatever to get out and play consistently, week in, week out.

"There’s a lot of players at Everton, they’ve brought in a lot of quality, have they performed to their best? Have they performed under the pressures that they need to do? I’m not sure many of them could say yes.”

Not a youngster anymore

Holgate is 23 now and simply has to be playing on a consistent basis, whether that be on loan or at Goodison Park. The days of settling for a sporadic role in the side and playing in the domestic cup games to gain experience have passed.

As Mills suggests, at his age he must be playing on a regular basis, especially if he has any future dreams of  making a statement to Gareth Southgate for England.

For example, players such as Keane have been regulars for teams for a number of years. Prior to his move to Merseyside, the former Manchester United man was a big player for Burnley, missing just five league games over two seasons.

Now, Keane has found his way into the England setup and become a regular at the back for Everton. Holgate could do the same, as he has proven in the past two games he is a man with quality and potential to hold is own against Premier League opposition.

His assist against Brighton and his goal and a clean sheet against Watford prove that he can be a great asset, but he needs to continue playing on a regular basis to maximise his potential.