David Moyes has been discussing why Everton recalled midfielder Harrison Armstrong from his loan spell at Preston North End in January
David Moyes and Harrison Armstrong during Everton's defeat to Manchester United
David Moyes and Harrison Armstrong during Everton's defeat to Manchester United(Image: (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images))
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David Moyes has admitted he would have loved to have left Harrison Armstrong at Preston North but had little choice to bring the youngster back to Everton.
Armstrong joined North End on deadline day in the summer and went on to make 13 starts in the Championship. However, due to injuries and player unavailability, the 19-year-old was recalled by Moyes on New Year’s Day.
And the Blues boss has admitted that given how well the teenager was doing for his former club Preston, it was a difficult call to recall him, but one he simply had to make.
“Harrison was great and I'm disappointed that I had to bring him back,” Moyes told the Lancashire Post.
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“When you look at how short of players we were over January... we didn't make any signings in January, we brought one player (in) on loan (Tyrique George).
“So, it was difficult for us really deal without him. I know he'd done so well. I think it's just been disappointing that they’ve maybe just not done as well in the second half.
"But I think Paul (Heckingbottom, manager) has done a brilliant job and I think they'll be stronger next year if they get the chance to go again.”
Armstrong, who hails from West Derby, became the first Scouser to play in a competitive match at Hill Dickinson Stadium when Moyes brought him on as a last-minute substitute for Jack Grealish in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of August.
David Moyes, Harrison Armstrong, and James Garner celebrate following Everton's victory in the Premier League match with Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
David Moyes, Harrison Armstrong, and James Garner celebrate following Everton's victory in the Premier League match with Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
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“I'm like a sponge around him,” Armstrong said when asked about working under Moyes last month. “He's worked with some unbelievable players and won big competitions.
“I'm just coming in every day ready to learn from him, as well as the staff and the rest of the lads here.
“The manager has really shown trust in me and he's helping me kick my career on, but I know I've got to repay that in performances on the pitch and hopefully I can continue to do that.”
Although Armstrong's preferred position is central midfield, he has found himself deputising for the injured Grealish out wide since he returned from his loan spell with North End.
Harrison Armstrong during the match between Wrexham and Preston North End at the Racecourse Ground on December 29, 2025
Harrison Armstrong in action for Preston North End against Wrexham (Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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And when asked about filling in for Grealish, Armstrong believes the England international is a player from whom he can learn a lot.
He said: “Jack is an unbelievable player and just a good person – someone I can learn a lot from. Playing out wide has given me certain lessons to help me for the future, for when I maybe go back into midfield – learning what those players working next to me need.
“Watching Jack, and watching him from afar while I was out on loan was great because he's a really special player.”