Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell has backed Ellis Simms to enjoy another strong loan spell at Sunderland next season.
The 21-year-old joined the Black Cats on a season-long deal last week - his third temporary move away since turning professional in 2019, following spells at League One Blackpool and Scottish Premiership side Hearts.
The move to the Stadium of Light represents another step up in Simms’ fledgling career, with the striker ready to ply his trade in the Championship under Alex Neil. And Campbell - who scored 48 goals in 159 games for the Toffees - has backed the youngster to take the pressure enjoy another impressive loan spell as Frank Lampard continues to look for a new striker.
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“Yeah I think that they’re going to bring somebody (upfront) in for sure.” Campbell told Goodison News. “Obviously they’ve had a chance to have a look at Ellis Simms and maybe they feel that he isn’t ready yet. Maybe they feel he needs another year.
“In the Championship, go out there, play, learn your trade. He’s still a young man, so go out and learn your trade, and come back a better player. Because Everton, at this moment in time, what happened last season, they can’t afford the same to happen this season. They can’t.
“So to put all that pressure on somebody so young. I don’t think they’re going to take that, hence why he’s going on loan. And I think it’s a good loan move for him because Sunderland, big club, back in the Championship, there’s going to be a lot of pressure up there. It’ll be good to see him do well.”
Simms was an unused substitute last weekend as Sunderland kicked off their 2022/2023 Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw against Coventry City. Lampard and Everton, meanwhile, continue their hunt for a striker to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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