HE’S only played 45 minutes of football in an Everton shirt. He’s only been back training for “five or six days”. And he’s only had a week to get to know his new team-mates.But new Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford insists he is ready and raring to make his competitive Blues debut on Thursday against Slovakian side Ruzomberok.
Pickford returned to pre-season training later than some of his new clubmates following his heroics with England Under-21s at the European Championships in Poland.
But he made his first appearance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Genk in Belgium, playing the first 45 minutes and keeping a clean sheet.
He was replaced for the second half by Maarten Stekelenburg, who conceded a goal but also made a stunning point blank save.
Pickford said: “I have only been back for five or six days but the manager has put me in for the first half and I have not felt off the pace.
“I felt like I was ready. I could have played the whole game but it’s down to the manager.
“I’ll be getting my head down in training on Monday and hopefully I will be selected for Thursday. It would be fantastic to make my debut at Goodison.
“As a group, we are coming along nicely.”
Everton will make their earliest ever start to a season on Thursday when they kick-off their Europa League campaign in the third qualifying round.
They have negotiated three pre-season friendlies so far, winning 2-1 min Tanzania against Gor Mahia, beating FC Twente 3-0 then drawing in Belgium on Saturday.
Ronald Koeman used 21 players against the Belgians, but only made three changes at half-time as he tried to get more match fitness under the belts of several players.
Pickford added: “Genk were a good side, and that’s what you want in pre-season. You want sides to test you and help you get up to speed. We have got something from the game results-wise, and improved our fitness so that’s the main thing from a pre-season game.
“They are only a week away from the start of their season so they are pretty much there in terms of match sharpness. So it’s put us in great stead ahead of the Europa League next week.
“It has been good, especially going away with the lads in the first week.
“We had a good training camp in Holland and being away is the best way to get to know the boys. It has been a great first week for me.
“Ideally, you want to get that defensive unit on the same page as quickly as you can.
“You have to get to know each other as soon as possible, but that is what training and playing in these kind of games allows you to do. I am sure we will adapt quickly.”
Liverpool Echo
