Franny Jeffers wants Everton u23's to keep building momentum

Jeffers: Keep Building Momentum

Coach wants young Blues to build on comeback victory over Swansea when they head to Mansfield on Tuesday

Francis Jeffers says Everton’s youngsters must use the momentum from their last-gasp win against Swansea City last time out when they travel to Mansfield Town in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off).

An Under-21 side heads into the last of their three Checkatrade Trophy group stage games with no chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition.

But coach Jeffers, who will again take charge of the young Blues in the absence of regular boss David Unsworth, says the game still provides a worthwhile test and presents an opportunity to build more confidence after a 2-1 comeback victory over the Swans in Premier League 2 last Friday.

The clash at Mansfield’s Field Mill will be the seventh game in 23 days in the Under-23s’ schedule, having played in three different competitions this month - and Jeffers says the coaching staff have had to manage that gruelling schedule carefully.

“It’s important to rest at times like this to rest between games,” Jeffers told evertonfc.com. “You have to look after the lads and do the right things. We’ve had a couple of knocks as well so it’s a case of trying to get everyone back and ready for another tough game.

“Whoever plays know it’s going to be a big test but we’re back on a winning streak now, so the lads should be confident. They need to use the momentum from Friday night into this game.

“It’ll be a different type of game, different type of football against a League Two team who will be happy to go a bit more direct.

“It’s another big test for our lads and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Head back to evertonfc.com later to follow updates from the game with our live blog. A full match report will also be available after the full-time whistle.

Everton FC