Ray Robert, who signed his first professional deal with Everton this month, scored the first of Everton's three goals in a comeback Merseyside derby win in Kirkby
Everton history-maker Ray Robert added a new chapter to his Blues story by netting in their Under-18s’ Merseyside derby win.
The teenager brought Keith Southern’s side level in the first half at Liverpool’s Kirkby academy - paving the way for Ceiran Loney and Kean Wren to seal a 3-1 win with their second half goals.
His cool finish was the fourth goal in five games for the 17-year-old - strikes either side of the forward signing his first professional contract this month.
Robert kept his composure after latching onto a ball from Melvin Matos to cancel out AJ Yeguo’s early opener. It was another well-taken strike by a teen who has become adept at finding pockets of space on the edge of the box from which to pounce.
Robert turned provider minutes after the break to tee up Loney and Wren finished off the tie 10 minutes from the end. England Under-19s goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks made several big saves for an understrength Blues with the game in the balance.
After making his U18s debut aged just 15, Robert has emerged as a talisman for the team this season, taking full advantage of the spaces created by the promotion of some of his elder academy teammates to Paul Tait’s U21s.
His emergence as an important player in the age group comes during a year in which his reputation has surged. Robert slotted home from the penalty spot in February to become the first Everton player to score at Hill Dickinson Stadium when he pulled one back against Wigan Athletic in the first test event at the new waterfront ground.
That goal formed part of the build-up to the three-year deal he recently signed, after which he said: “It’s what you dream about growing up as a kid – to be a professional footballer at Everton. A massive club.
“With my development, I feel like I’ve improved a lot as a player, so I’m very happy with that. I joined when I was seven and I’ve been here throughout that time. I’m grateful to the coaches, staff and everyone who has helped and been there for me.”
Robert hails his early exposure to the U18s as crucial to his development and is now targeting opportunities in the U21s to continue on that route.
His involvement in the U18s win on Wednesday came after he also scored the first goal in a comeback win at Derby County at the weekend. Promising teen Wren hit a brace in that match before striking again at Liverpool to continue his run of form in the Merseyside derby - Wren scored the last minute winner over Liverpool U18s for the young Blues at Finch Farm last season.