Boyhood Blue Lewis Warrington said he was "absolutely buzzing" after making his senior debut in Everton's Carabao Cup win over Fleetwood Town.
The 19-year-old came on in the 64th minute and impressed while on the pitch - leading Frank Lampard to describe his performance as "brilliant." Lampard added: "And when I say brilliant, people might ask, 'Was he brilliant?' Well, yes, because he got us playing. He received it and did basic things in midfield. Receive, play, move, open up the game... he did it."
It was a special night for the teenage midfielder, who joined the club aged just six and said he would have been in the stands watching had he not been in the squad.
VERDICT: Amadou Onana learns 'uncomfortable' lesson as Anthony Gordon question lingers
YOUR SHOUT: Rate the Everton players after win over Fleetwood Town
Warrington's appearance on Tuesday night capped a remarkable rise in 2022 that initially saw him catch attention while on loan at Tranmere Rovers then build on that form on the club's pre-season tour of the US.
He repeatedly impressed through pre-season and has started well for the Everton Under-21s in their opening games of the season. After making the next huge step in his career against Fleetwood, he described the opportunity as the "perfect night" and added: "It's tough to put into words. I've waited for this my whole life and put loads of hard work and sacrifice into this moment. I got 30 minutes and it's a step in the right direction. I'm absolutely buzzing because I've been a Blue my whole life and if I wasn't playing, I'd have been in the away end tonight - so it's a surreal moment for me and my family.
"It's been a long journey but an enjoyable one. I couldn't have done it at a better club and, obviously, I support the club so it's made it that much more special. That important thing tonight was getting through to the next round. The lads played well, we're in the next round and to get my debut... it's a perfect night."
Warrington signed a new two-year deal in May and Lampard has repeatedly spoken highly of him. He, like another academy starlet Stanley Mills, is held in such high-regard that Lampard is set to wait until the end of the transfer window so he can assess his squad before looking at their "personal development" and considering whether they can be made available for loan or kept within the Finch Farm setup.
Warrington told the club website his loan spell at Prenton Park had been of use to him during his stint against Fleetwood. He said: "There was definitely a rush of adrenaline [when getting the call to come on] and I ran over, then I kind of went numb a bit. But once I got on the pitch and made a few passes and settled down, I felt really good. That [Tranmere] experience helped, even the little things like winning second balls, winning headers against big lads - that's what I was doing last year in League Two.
"It's helped a lot. In training I'm feeling fitter and stronger than I did before I went out, so it's benefited me a lot. I just want to keep pushing on from here. I'll take everything as it comes, keep training as hard as I possibly can and if I get the opportunity, be ready to take it with both hands."
Following the match, in which Mills also made his senior debut, Lampard heaped praise on both prospects. He said: "They've both been first-class since pre-season started - attitude and training levels. I thought Lewis was brilliant today when he came on. And when I say brilliant, people might ask, 'Was he brilliant?' Well, yes, because he got us playing. He received it and did basic things in midfield. Receive, play, move, open up the game... he did it. He's an Evertonian. He was delighted to come on the pitch and it was oozing out of him. I love that. He wanted to play for the club and come on. It was a big moment for him and I'm really pleased for him. Stanley has been outstanding in training and deserves it.
"He can play anywhere, in so many different areas for us. He's a great pro, great athlete, good player and obviously been taught well by his dad in terms of how he approaches his game. I was pleased that he could get on but just upset he couldn't get another couple of moments because he's quick and he can make things happen."
READ NEXT
-
Frank Lampard gives Everton transfer updates on Anthony Gordon and Dele Alli
-
Everton player ratings as Demarai Gray lively and Nathan Patterson impressive at Fleetwood
-
Everton suffer another injury blow in warm-up ahead of Fleetwood Town match
- Frank Lampard has told his Everton bosses what everyone already knows
- New Everton striker question emerges as Frank Lampard decides against two possible options
