Kieran Dowell could make Premier League Everton debut

Kieran Dowell could make his Premier League debut against Bournemouth after Roberto Martinez said the young attacker is ‘ready for an opportunity with the first-team’.

The 18-year-old has produced a series of stirring displays for the Club’s Under-21s side recently, including scoring a fabulous hat-trick in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Leicester.

However, the Toffees will definitely be without Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman (both hamstring), Gareth Barry (groin) and Ramiro Funes Mori (suspension) for the penultimate home clash of the campaign against the Cherries this Saturday.

Speaking on Thursday morning, Roberto Martinez said: “Kieran Dowell has been outstanding with his performances - I don’t think you will find another adjective to describe the consistency he has had with the Under-21s and the quality he brings.

“He was with the first-team in pre-season and I feel he is now ready for an opportunity with the first-team.

The Everton manager added: “We have picked up a few injuries and suspensions. We have pushed ourselves to the maximum.

“Phil Jagielka will be missing, Gareth Barry will be missing, Seamus Coleman will be missing and Ramiro Funes Mori will serve the second match of his suspension.

“We are going to have a little bit of a weak back-four with the amount of bodies that are missing. Maybe we will have some good opportunities for the young players.”

Martinez was unable to confirm whether captain Jagielka’s injury is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season.

“Phil Jagielka got through [last] Saturday’s game when he had no right to,” the manager added. “He’s going to be missing now for the next few games - it’s too early to know if he is going to miss the rest of the season.”