Stand-in Everton boss Craig Shakespeare has claimed that Ademola Lookman has the potential to be 'an important player' for the Toffees.

Lookman scored twice on Thursday night as Everton recorded a 3-0 win over Apollon Limassol in their final Europa League group game.

The 20-year-old was part of a youthful Toffees XI led by Shakespeare, who took charge of the Merseyside outfit due to head coach Sam Allardyce staying in England to attend a pre-arranged medical appointment.

Lookman has only scored once in the Premier League since arriving from Charlton Athletic in January, but the youngster showed his credentials in Cyprus.

Shakespeare has now backed the England Under-21 international to kick on after his European brace.

Shakespeare told reporters:

"He can be an important player but he is only young. He showed his ability."

Lookman came through the youth system at Charlton before making the move to Everton - signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Toffees. It is understood that various add-ons could eventually take his transfer fee to £11m.

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