Everton Under-21 player of the season Isaac Heath has been praised after a goal and an assist on his debut on loan at Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley manager John Doolan has explained what makes on-loan Everton starlet Isaac Heath such an exciting prospect after his impressive debut.
Everton Under-21 Player of the Season for 2024/25, Heath, 20, has been with the Blues since he was 13 and after following up two goals and 16 assists in 16 matches last term, he played in the opening three games for Paul Tait’s side in 2025/26, scoring in a 4-3 loss to Fulham at Walton Hall Park before joining League Two Stanley on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day. Just 24 hours later, the Leeds-born winger made his first appearance for Accrington in a Vertu Trophy Northern Group G tie at fellow Lancashire side Fleetwood Town.
It was a dream start for Heath, playing as a striker as part of a two-man attack in a 3-4-1-2 formation, as just three minutes into the contest, he picked up the ball midway through his own half, sprinted past an opponent on the counter attack, before beating home keeper David Harrington with a cool finish into the roof of the net. The Yorkshireman then embarked on an explosive dribble down the left wing before teeing up Alex Henderson with a low pass to double the visitors’ advantage.
The night would then unravel for Stanley, who had already had a Kelsey Mooney penalty saved, as goals from James Norwood and Ethan Ennis ensured the game finished 2-2 and went to a shoot-out. Heath added to his goal and assist with a successful strike from the spot, but Accrington were beaten 7-6 on penalties.
Despite the disappointment, boss Doolan, a Scouser and Evertonian to boot, was full of praise for his new recruit from Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 56-year-old said: “Isaac Heath, with his goal after three minutes, and his assist as well, it was an outstanding little debut for him.
“He was very good. It was an unbelievable debut for him, wasn’t it?
“He showcased everything. Every bit of talent that he’s got, it was evident there for everyone to see.
“That’s what he brings. His one on ones, he doesn’t refuse them, he can go both ways.
“He’s taking corners, if you see him, with his left foot and right foot. So, the kid’s quality – we know that anyway, we’re very lucky to have him – and the evidence was there on the pitch after three minutes and he also assisted with Alex Henderson’s goal.”