Clarke's class eye catching

EVERTON'S work to develop forwards of the future received another boost during an impressive week in front of goal.

- By JOE THOMAS Everton FC Correspondent

Academy strikers Martin Sherif, George Morgan and winger Justin Clarke converted into a number nine in the absence of some of his teammates - all hit the back of the net in a free-scoring week for the senior youth teams.

Their efforts offered another glimpse at the work to finesse stars from within Finch Farm, work that has seen the club become increasingly proactive at picking up talent from elsewhere.

Speaking after Clarke's emphatic display at Thorp Arch Grange, Southern, who took on the role of leading the U18s after Leighton Baines was promoted to the first team staff in January, said: "We played Justin in a slightly different position today.

"We played him as a number nine, which was a different challenge for him.

"He responded really well, he was energetic, he was lively.