Everton have really high hopes for teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong.
Harrison Armstrong has been named as one to watch for a number of years and has made a handful of appearances for the Everton first team.
Armstrong really impressed in pre-season for David Moyes’ side and produced a stellar performance against Mansfield Town last month.
However, Moyes and his chiefs decided another loan to the Championship would be best for his development.
Armstrong joined Preston North End and now the Scotsman has explained what he needs to improve in order to become a first-teamer on Merseyside.
Harrison Armstrong during Everton's pre-season.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
David Moyes shares what Harrison Armstrong can improve
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Moyes explained that he almost kept Armstrong but then noted that he can still improve his physical attributes before plying his trade in the Premier League.
“I could have kept Harrison but I didn’t know if he was ready to be a starter yet,” the 62-year-old admitted.
“I thought he played really well against Mansfield, he’s played well in a couple of games he’s been in. But I actually thought that another 15, 20 games in the Championship would be another stage.
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“He’s 18 years old, there’s one or two very talented 17-year-old players playing in the Premier League at the moment, but in the main… he’s young for a midfield player.
“And he’s still got a bit of physical attributes to grow into. So I’m hoping that Preston’s a good base for him, I believe it is, and he gets some game time and comes back stronger again.”
David Moyes watched Harrison Armstrong on international duty
Armstrong was superb for England’s under-19s during the international break, scoring in back to back games.
Moyes said he did keep tabs on his performances with the Young Three Lions against Spain and the Netherlands.
“He’s stepping up now, because I think when you’re playing and you’re around the first teams and whatnot, you’re getting recognized more.
“The national teams want to know that their boys are getting games, and it looks like he’s going to get some more game time. He did well at Derby, so I’m hoping that he can do the same for Preston.”
The pathway is certainly there for Armstrong, he just needs to get a few more senior games under his belt and fill out into his 6ft 1 inch frame.