Under-23s Striker Hornby Signs Three-Year Everton DealScotland Under-21 international pens first professional contract.Everton Under-23s striker Fraser Hornby declared his determination to continue his impressive progress at the Club after signing his first professional contract until the end of June 2021.
The 18-year-old has been rewarded after an encouraging year which saw him move up from the Under-18s to establish himself as a key figure for David Unsworth’s side, make his Everton first-team debut and feature for Scotland Under-21s.
Hornby – who joined the Toffees four years ago from Northampton Town – is now eager to build on his breakthrough 12 months with the Blues.
“Every young lad’s dream is to become a professional footballer and it’s my first professional deal so I’m just delighted and I can’t wait to get started now,” Hornby told evertontv.
“It’s been a memorable 12 months, considering at the start of last season I was coming back from a long-term injury.
“My main focus was just getting back playing again, scoring goals, and I had a few chances with the Under-23s. It was crazy season but full of memories and hopefully this year will bring a few more.
“Making my first-team debut was just an amazing experience. The whole occasion, travelling with the team, it being an away game, seeing all the fans - hopefully I can get more experiences like that in the future.”
After getting off to a flying start to the 2017/18 season, hitting three goals in his opening three league games for the Under-18s, Hornby was promoted to the Under-23s side.
The striker’s consistently impressive displays for the young Blues saw him handed a first-team debut as Everton took on Apollon Limassol in a Europa League clash December, leading the line with confidence and authority as the Toffees ran out 3-0 winners in Cyprus.
Hornby’s progress was recognised by Scotland Under-21 boss and former Everton midfielder Scot Gemmill, who named the youngster in his squad for this summer’s Toulon Tournament in France.
The striker went on to play an integral role as the focal point of the Scots’ attack, starting every game as they reached the semi-finals of the tournament. Scotland were edged out by eventual champions England in the last four, whose squad featured Toffees quartet Callum Connolly, Tom Davies, Kieran Dowell and Jonjoe Kenny.
Hornby’s focus is now back on Everton and the Northampton-born striker is convinced the Club provides the perfect platform for him to realise his potential.
The teenager has taken significant strides since arriving at the Blues as a midfielder back in 2014 - and has now developed into a powerful and clinical centre-forward.
“Even when I was playing in midfield I’d like to get forward and get in the box, so when [Under-18 coach] Paul Tait and Kevin Sheedy moved me to striker at Under-18s, I could just see myself playing there for many years,” Hornby explained. “I’m happy playing as a striker now and I’m looking forward to improving. I’ve only played there for a season so there’s a lot more work to do.
“Everton is a very family-orientated club, which is what I like about the place. You feel very comfortable and feel like you can express yourself. It’s a great place to be.”
