Welsh U-21 International released in end of season cull

Welsh youngster Nathan Craig has today been released by Everton, ending a nine-year spell at the club. Despite becoming a regular for the reserve side over the last two years, Craig has only one senior appearance to his name, coming on as a substitute against BATE Borisov in the Europa League.

In an interview with the Caernarfon Herald, Craig said: "I'm obviously sad that I never quite made it into the first team, but I don't have any regrets.

"I did everything in my power to ensure that I would succeed at Everton, both on and off the pitch, I don't drink, I eat healthily, and keep very fit, but unfortunately it didn't quite work out at Everton.

"I'd obviously be happier if they would have released me after I'd made my Premier League debut, but at the end of the day that's football. One door closes and another one opens, and I hope I get a new club soon.

"I'll never give up on football, and I've already told my agent to start looking for new opportunities for me. A few have already approached him to say they would be interested in me going for pre-season training, but I can't tell you who at the moment.

"I'm just hoping to get a club where I can get regular first team football, week in and week out, as I think that is the most important thing for a young player like me.

"From the first day (at Everton) everyone was great, I made friends with coaches and players and it was easy to get to know the first team players as I lived with James Vaughan, Dan Gosling and Victor Anichebe.

"I've trained with players of the calibre of Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill so it's been a great experience for me. Once we were training with the first-team, and I had the ball out on the wing. Phil (Neville) came charging to try and tackle me, but I just nutmegged him and everyone laughed! Now he always points me out and says, you're the one who embarrassed me!

Remaining positive, the youngster added: "Onwards and upwards. I'd like to thank my parents for supporting me in every way for all of those years. Without them and the rest of my family I wouldn't be where I am today.

"I'd also like to thank everyone else who has shown their support, I really appreciate it, from the people at Ysgol yr Hendre and Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen (Craig's old schools), to everyone else in Caernarfon, and finally everyone who speaks to me on Facebook and Twitter. Keep the messages coming!"

He seems like a decent, positive and mature lad, and I, like all blues, wish him the best of luck in his career.