Douglass the SAVING grace for Blues' future talents

ACADEMY goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks has earned the praise of his Everton boss as he ended a stellar month with a big performance.

- By JOE THOMAS

Douglass Lukjanciks and (inset below) with England U19s earlier this month

(EMMA SIMPSON/ EFC)

The teenager saved a penalty as he kept a clean sheet as the Blues under-18s drew at Middlesbrough - a result earned with nine men after two of his teammates were sent off.

It was the latest highlight in the 17-year-old's season - one that saw him take another step forward in his international journey this month.

Lukjanciks produced the crucial stop as Everton travelled to the north east for their U18s Premier League (North) clash at the weekend.

His performance came less than 24 hours after he was named on the bench at Finch Farm in the Under-21s' home defeat to Aston Villa.