Harrison Armstrong #45 of Everton dribbles the ball during a match between Everton FC and AFC Bournemouth at MetLife Stadium on July 26, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Harrison Armstrong was open to returning to Derby County
David Moyes has addressed his decision to allow last season's starlet to go out on loan again.
The Scot had been back at Everton for less than a month when in February he allowed the teenager to go out on loan to Pride Park.
Armstrong responded by reeling off 12 consecutive starts for John Eustace's side and by bringing the guile and craft to an otherwise workmanlike midfield.
After helping the Rams stave off relegation Armstrong said
However, the 18-year-old ended up making
And Moyes has explained his thinking on what was a late decision.
“I could have kept Harrison but I didn't know if he was ready to be a starter yet,” Moyes is quoted by the as saying.
“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. 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. 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.
“He's stepping up now, because I think when you're playing and you're around the first teams and whatnot, you're getting recognised 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.”
Would you have liked Armstrong back at Derby?
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