Hornby vows to impress Everton manager

SCOTLAND Under-21 striker Fraser Hornby caught national team boss Alex McLeish’s attention with a stunning hat-trick, but admits it is his Everton manager that he needs to impress first.

The 18-year-old scored all the goals as Scot Gemmill’s side breathed fresh life into their Euro 2019 qualifying campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Andorra on Thursday evening.

McLeish was an interested observer at Tynecastle and although Hornby did his long-term international prospects no harm, the teenager recognises that his first task is to become a recognised member of the Toffees team.

An 82-minute run out against Apollon Limassol in the Europa League last July under then boss Sam Allardyce remains his only outing in a Blues jersey but he remains hopeful of forcing his way into Marco Silva’s plans

Hornby, whose contract at Goodison runs until summer 2021, said: “Hopefully I can get a few appearances for the first team at Everton, if not then I’ll be happy to go out on loan somewhere.

“I’ve not really had a chat with anyone about my future at Everton, I’ve kept my head down and I’m taking each day as it comes and working hard.

“I’m feeling good and hopefully I can get a few chances in the first team.

“I’m working hard everyday and I’m doing the best I can do. If I perform well then I’ll get the chance.”

McLeish congratulated the players in person in the changing room after the game and Hornby hopes he has left a lasting impression.

He added: “It’s good to have the first team manager at the game and hopefully I impressed him.

“It’s an amazing feeling to score a hat-trick in any game. I’ve scored some for Everton but it’s my first hat-trick for Scotland so it made it extra special.”