Soccer

Everton youngster Shayne Lavery hoping to follow in Seamus Coleman's footsteps

Shayne Lavery is hoping for a big future at English Premier League outfit Everton. Picture by Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker
Shayne Lavery is hoping for a big future at English Premier League outfit Everton. Picture by Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker Shayne Lavery is hoping for a big future at English Premier League outfit Everton. Picture by Colm Leneghan/Pacemaker

SHAYNE LAVERY has admitted he would love to follow in the footsteps of Seamus Coleman by becoming the next Irish footballer to break into the Everton first team.

The talented Aghagallon teenager has been on the Toffees’ books since the summer of 2015, playing under former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Sheedy in the U18s and occasionally forcing his way into David Unsworth’s U21s.

And Lavery, who hopes to play for Northern Ireland U21s against Macedonia this afternoon, sees Coleman as the perfect role model as he sets his sights on the first team squad.

Killybegs native Coleman was 20 when David Moyes brought him to Everton from Sligo Rovers and he hasn’t looked back since, becoming one of the Premier League outfit’s top performers and a regular starter for the Republic.

“Last year I was in and out of the U21s and when you’re with them you sometimes play games against the first team,” said the 17-year-old, who played Gaelic football for St Mary’s, Aghagallon’s underage teams and St Michael’s Grammar School, Lurgan.

“I was up against Coleman. He’s fast – very fast! He talks to the Irish lads and looks out for you, he’s a sound guy.”

On one day joining Coleman in the first team, Lavery added: “I’d love that. That would be a big dream.”

The likes of England internationals Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley are graduates of the Everton academy, and the club has a reputation for giving youth a chance.

Lavery first caught the Toffees’ eye while playing for Glenavon, with scout Paul Hamilton getting the ball rolling.

With a year under his belt already, Lavery now feels like a proper part of the club and is enjoying the experience.

“I came over and played a few matches and they offered me a two-year scholarship. I’m in my second year now so hopefully I can get into the U21s,” he said.

“The set-up’s amazing so I found it really easy to settle when I moved over last summer, the family I’m with is great.

“The way the club works, if you’re doing well for the U18s they’ll not hesitate in moving you up right away. And the U21 team and the first team are very close, so you just hope you get a chance.”

European U21 Championship Qualifying Group Three: Macedonia v Northern Ireland (today, 12pm, Skopje)