Ryan Ledson inspired by James McCarthy

Teenager Ryan Ledson says he aims to follow in the footsteps of James McCarthy and flourish under the tuition of Roberto Martinez.

Midfielder Ledson came close to making a first-team debut last season, then aged 16, when Martinez named him on the bench for Everton's Premier League games at Southampton and Manchester City. He was then included in the travelling party for the Europa League trip to FC Krasnodar in October.

McCarthy, meanwhile, was signed by Martinez for Wigan Athletic as an 18-year-old in 2009, following the Spaniard to Goodison Park in the summer of 2013.

Since then, Ledson has looked up to the all-action McCarthy as his Blues role model and hopes he, too, can become one of his manager's most trusted lieutenants.

“We train sometimes with the first team but we always see the lads around the building and they are all good lads,” said Ledson. “I probably look towards James McCarthy [most] – he's the same position as me, the same type of player. He’s brilliant. Last season he was probably one of our best players.

“The gaffer likes bringing young players through. He did it at Wigan and he’s doing it at Everton. It gives all the lads in the Under-21s a massive boost.”

As for the Under-21s, Ledson admits he's also learning plenty off coach David Unsworth this campaign - even if he's had to watch DVDs to understand what the former defender could do as a player.

“I’ve seen a few things on television about him," the 17-year-old admitted. "He was a good player, very tough and very strong - and I think that’s what he's trying to instil in us.

“He’s always in the gym and keeps as fit as anything, and I think that sets an example for us, makes us work hard.

“He’s a great coach. We look forward to coming into training. He’s always dead bubbly and lively and he has us playing really well at the moment.”