EXCLUSIVE: Former Everton captain Alan Stubbs has been speaking about Blues home-grown hero Harrison Armstrong
Former Everton captain Alan Stubbs has hailed home-grown hero Harrison Armstrong as one of the best young prospects in British football.
Armstrong, who hails from West Derby, became the first Scouser to play in a competitive match at Hill Dickinson Stadium when David Moyes brought him on as a last-minute substitute for Jack Grealish in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on August 24. However, after then providing a brace of assists in the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over League One Mansfield Town three days later, the midfielder was sent to Preston North End on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day of the summer window.
Turning out 17 times for the Championship outfit and scoring once, Armstrong was recalled early from Deepdale on New Year’s Day and has featured in all eight of Everton’s subsequent fixtures, starting six games in a row before returning to the bench for the 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last time out. During his own playing days with the Blues, Kirkby-born Stubbs struck up a close friendship with fellow Merseysider Wayne Rooney and acted as a mentor, looking after him both on and off the pitch.
Given Armstrong’s recent progress, the 54-year-old lifelong Evertonian reckons his former club have got another precocious talent on their hands. Stubbs told the ECHO: “He’s got a lot of potential. I think it speaks volumes that he can play out wide even though he wouldn’t necessarily see himself in that role, he’s a different type of wide player.
“He’s one of those who is going to cut inside and play little balls into strikers and into the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in pockets of space as he’s got a football brain. I see him as a six or an eight eventually.
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“I’ve got to be honest. I liked him 18 months ago and I think he’s come on an awful lot.
“I think he’s got a really, really bright future. I do think he’s one of the most promising teenage footballers in the country right now.”
The former centre-back added: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but his performances have belied his age. I think he’s matured a lot.
“I think going on loan to Preston in September has done him the world of good. You’re seeing a big difference in him now compared to the start of the season.
“That’s what he needed. It was a big call from David to keep him here because I think another six months at Preston would have done him even more good, but I think it shows you that the manager is not afraid to put his faith in young talent.
“I think he’s earned the manager’s trust and confidence by putting him in. That’s a really big thing for David Moyes, it says a lot.”
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