Former Everton Academy prospect John Lundstram has revealed Kevin Sheedy remains one of his 'biggest influences' in football as he looks to help Rangers to European glory next Wednesday.
Lundstram joined the Blues as a youngster in 2002 before being officially released by the club in 2015 without a single first-team appearance to his name. The 28-year-old midfielder instead experienced a series of loans at EFL level at the likes of Blackpool, Leyton Orient and Yeovil Town.
His dream of becoming a Premier League footballer later came true at Sheffield United in 2019, though he had hoped this moment would arrive with the Toffees.
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“To be honest, it wasn’t something I ever dreamed of because I didn’t think it was something that would ever happen,” he told the Scotsman. “I was a Liverpool fan growing up but once you’re at Everton for 15 years, it becomes a massive part of your life. It meant so much to me.
"My early dream was to play in the Premier League for them [Everton]. It never quite happened but I got the chance to play in the Premier League further down the line."
Lundstram spent two seasons in the top-flight with the Blades before signing for Rangers at the start of the current campaign, a move he is unlikely to regret after reaching the Europa League final. The current Scottish champions are on the brink of a first piece of European silverware since winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972 - a trophy once claimed by a former fan-favourite of the Blues.
Sheedy helped Everton secure this title in 1985 after scoring the Blues' third goal in a 3-1 win over Rapid Vienna and is an individual who has played a major role in Lundstram's career after time spent working as part of the Academy coaching staff.
“Kev was a massive influence on me,” he admitted. “I worked with him for two or three years. He took my game to another level.
“I think he was one of my biggest inspirations to be honest. Because it’s at an early age, in the grassroots really, when you learn most of your trade. As a player, he was a legend and played for both Everton and Liverpool. I’ve no idea what Kev’s up to now but I’d like to think he’d be proud. He was a great coach and we got on really well.”
