Kyle John is targeting his first senior competitive action for Everton after signing a two-year contract to stay with the Club until the end of June 2023.
Right-back John has consistently participated in First-Team training since the turn of the year and was included in several matchday squads in the season’s closing months.
The 20-year-old’s bright finish to the campaign – he also started the Under-23s’ final 14 Premier League 2 games – was testament to more than just the talent that brought John to Everton as a six-year-old.
He twice featured in senior pre-season friendlies last year but was cut down by a serious ankle injury sustained playing for the Under-23s in September.
But an internal pledge, coupled with encouragement from Seamus Coleman, the player John leans on for regular counsel, prompted a flying return and, ultimately, an invitation to remain at Goodison Park.
“It is a proud moment to sign a contract, especially with Everton,” John told evertontv.
“I felt as good as I ever had [at beginning of season] and the injury was a big blow.
“But I was determined to get through it and back to where I was – nothing was stopping me from getting there.
“Seamus is an unbelievable player and professional.
“He is one I really look up to, I ask him a lot of questions and talk to him all the time.
“You want to be like him. He is a legend, really, isn’t he?
“When I had my operation, he rang to say he hoped I got through it.
“He is always there for me.”
John’s Everton career has plotted a sharp upwards trajectory, save for the ruptured ankle ligaments that slowed him down nine months ago.
He was 15 when introduced to Under-18 football in January 2017.
There was an Under-23 debut in October 2018, when John was 17, and the following March he signed a first professional contract.
Those two events sandwiched a First-Team outing in a friendly against Kenyan team Gor Mahia.
But John maintains he is a much-improved player from the one who came off the bench in that Goodison fixture.
“Training with the First Team has helped me come on massively,” said John.
“I feel 10 times the player I was two years ago.
“But there is not one area of my game I don’t need to improve.
“I can get better defensively and with my attacking, my crossing and final ball.
“I need to get bigger and stronger.
“Playing Premier League football at Goodison Park is the dream.
“I will work as hard as I can to impress and try to get in the team and play some games.”
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