Photo by Malcolm Couzens - WBA via Getty Images
Photo by Malcolm Couzens - WBA via Getty Images
Everton’s U21s pulled off a dramatic late comeback in the Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-final against Lower Beck on Wednesday night.
Late goals from Malik Olayiwola and Braiden Graham secured the Young Blues a spot in the last four of the competition.
Manager Paul Tait was left delighted with his Everton side’s efforts to take it right to the final whistle.
Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
Although it will naturally be Graham who steals the headlines, the U21s manager was left so impressed with 16-year-old winger Shea Pita.
Scotland v Wales - U16 Victory Shield
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Paul Tait impressed by 16-year-old Everton prospect Shea Pita
Pita has recently been called up to Everton’s U21s side by Tait having impressed with Keith Southern in the U18s.
The 16-year-old Welshman has been slowly introduced as a substitute over recent weeks, but he particularly impressed Tait against Lower Beck on Wednesday.
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
“The substitutes helped us when they came on and I have to say that Shea Pita was excellent,” Tait told the Everton website.
“He’s a 16-year-old playing against men and he showed really good character and skill tonight.”
There is a long road ahead for Pita, as he has yet to become a regular in the starting XI of the U21s side.
However, he is a player who is playing well beyond his years and already looks like a real talent.
Moyes has been dismissive of Everton’s academy talents, but there are positive signs that some exciting players are being produced at Finch Farm.
Who is Shea Pita?
The 16-year-old is not eligible to sign a professional deal until May when he turns 17, but Everton will be keen to get his future sealed on Merseyside.
Pita has been able to return four goals and four assists in his 26 appearances across two different age levels.
As well as Graham, Pita scored in Everton’s FA Youth Cup game last month against Ipswich Town to provide the Young Blues with an early lead.
A call-up to the first team will remain a long way off, but it is apparent that he is really impressing Tait, with a start for the U21s his next objective.