KIDS ARE ALRIGHT FOR EVERTON

EVERTON tied three of their young stars to long-term contracts at Goodison Park yesterday.

Jonjoe Kenny, Dominic CalvertLewin and Mason Holgate all extended their deals to the delight of manager Sam Allardyce.

Defenders Kenny (far left) and Holgate, 21, are committed to the end of June 2022, with 20-year-old striker Calvert-Lewin signing to the end of June 2023. Kenny, 20, who joined the club as a nine-year-old, made his first Premier League start in October against Arsenal.

He said: “It shows we have the desire to compete at the highest level.”

Allardyce said: “There’s no doubt in my mind that they will play big roles at Everton for a long time to come. The depth of young talent in our squad is very encouraging, a clear sign that we do things right as a club in our development of young players.

“Mason, Jonjoe and Dominic epitomise what we are trying to accomplish with young players here at Everton.

“Jonjoe’s decision-making for such a young man is very impressive and part of the reason he makes the game look simple. Mason Holgate’s potential is becoming a reality and he can become a really top player in the Premier League.

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin, too, is a really exciting talent with the athleticism and attributes to rise to the top. Working so closely with a player like Wayne Rooney can’t fail to help him in his role.”