Everton's Braiden Graham in action with blank player silhouettes either side and Hill Dickinson Stadium background
Everton's Braiden Graham in action with blank player silhouettes either side and Hill Dickinson Stadium background
The Toffees possess one of the best academy systems in English football, and it's one that demands respect.
As such, Everton chiefs are always looking to snap up the best young talent possible to flood their Finch Farm squads with future first-team potential.
It's a tough and winding pathway to senior stardom at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with places in David Moyes' squad tough to win.
However, we've already seen the likes of Harrison Armstrong shine this season, whilst Braiden Graham is on the periphery of breaking into the side too.
It's Graham that could be serving as inspiration for a fresh youth recruitment strategy at Finch Farm too.
Northern Irish duo both make strong Everton transfer cases with trial displays
The aforementioned Graham is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects for Northern Ireland at the moment.
He's been starring for them at youth international level for years now, and it's only a matter of time before that transitions to the senior stage.
Everton plucked the versatile winger from Northern Irish football last year, signing him from Linfield.
Another Northern Irish Premiership side in the form of Cliftonville, have recently sent two of their brightest young talents to Merseyside as Everton take a close look at them.
🔴⚪ Cliftonville Academy | Making Their Mark A brilliant night for Riley McCreery and Ryland Perry, who both found the net for Everton tonight as they continue to impress during their trials. https://t.co/OoWxxylJaR
— Cliftonville FDC (@CliftonvilleFDC) November 12, 2026
Cliftonville's academy account on X shared an image of Riley McCreery and Ryland Perry posing either side of an Everton crest.
They share that the pair are currently on trial with the Toffees, and that both of them scored in a trial match on Thursday night.
So, who are McCreery and Perry, and what positions do they operate in?
Are both Perry and McCreery Northern Ireland internationals?
Even if Everton do sign either one of, if not both, of Perry and McCreery, don't expect to see them in the first-team for some time.
That's because both players are still only 14 years old, both of whom being born in 2012.
Despite that, they're both playing well above their age in Cliftonville's Under-18s, as well as both representing Northern Ireland at U-16 level too.
Perry is an attacking midfielder, whilst McCreery is actually a left-back, which makes the fact he netted on trial for Everton particularly impressive.
Both have played UEFA Youth League football with the Belfast-based outfit this season too.
So, it would appear that after the success of Graham since his move from Linfield, Everton have been enthused to explore the Irish market even more.