Loan Watch: 6th November

Shane Duffy (above) got another ninety minutes of playing time under his belt as Scunthorpe lost 2-0 at Bournemouth in League One. Scott Malone and Wes Thomas scored the Cherries' goals.

Femi Orenuga was not involved as Notts County drew 1-1 with Wycombe Wanderers.

Jose Baxter missed Tranmere's goalless draw with Colchester through suspension following a red card last time out.

Luke Garbutt helped Cheltenham Town into third place in League Two with a 0-1 away win at Bradford. Robins boss Mark Yates described his side's performance as 'the best of the season'.

James Wallace made his debut for Shrewsbury Town, but only lasted 24 minutes before he was shown red for a lunge on Dagenham & Redbridge's Jon Nurse.

Connor Roberts made his second appearance for Northern Premier League side Burscough and impressed in goal for the Linnets, despite his side going down 2-1 to Frickley Athletic.

João Silva played for Portuguese side Vitória de Setúbal as they drew 0-0 with Gil Vicente on Sunday evening.

Loan Watch: 30th October

Everton players had mixed fortunes with their respective loan sides this weekend.

Shane Duffy celebrated his loan extension at Scunthorpe United in style with his side's first goal in a 4-2 victory over Tranmere Rovers. The Irish defender headed home after 20 minutes to cancel out Mustafa Tiryaki's early opener for the visitors.

Jose Baxter was also involved in the fixture at Glanford Park, playing for the visitors, Tranmere Rovers. At least, until he was sent off on 63 minutes for a foul on Scunthorpe captain Sam Togwell.

Femi Orenuga (pictured above, right) made his second substitute appearance for Notts County since joining them little over a fortnight ago. The winger was introduced on 72 minutes - at which point County were already trailing by 3 goals to 1 - and his side went on to lose 4-2.

Luke Garbutt retained his place in Cheltenham Town's starting XI as the Robins' impressive form continued with a narrow 2-1 victory over strugglers Plymouth Argyle. Away side Argyle took a first-half lead but two late goals - one of which was scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Garbutt - were enough to hand Cheltenham the points.

Connor Roberts kept goal for Burscough in their Northern Premier League clash with Buxton. The Everton Academy 'keeper, playing his first game for the non-League outfit, helped his loan side to a 2-2 draw.

João Silva played for Vitória de Setúbal against his previous loan side União de Leiria. Silva, who was with Leiria last year, played the full 90 minutes as Setúbal went down 2-0.

Joseph Yobo played ninety minutes for Fenerbahçe against Karabükspor. Despite going a man down early on Yobo's side ran out 1-0 winners.

Loan Watch: 15th October

A quintet of Everton players featured for their loan clubs this week, here's a round-up of how they did.

Luke Garbutt made his second start for Cheltenham Town on Friday night and impressed again, grabbing another assist in a 0-2 victory at Burton Albion. Cheltenham Town reporter @JPEchoRobins gave this assessment of Garbutt on Twitter: "two league apps, two assists, defended well, great prospect."

Shane Duffy helped Scunthorpe United to a 0-0 draw at Brentford in League One on Saturday. Incredibly, it was Scunthorpe's first clean sheet in 24 games.

Jose Baxter scored another goal for Tranmere Rovers as they beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 at Prenton Park. The youngster's shot may have taken a touch off Enoch Showunmi but Baxter was credited with the goal on Sky Sports.

João Silva played for Vitória de Setúbal on Sunday as they crashed out of the Taça de Portugal, losing 1-0 to SC Mirandela.

Joseph Yobo was in the Fenerbahçe side that won 1-2 against Mersin İdmanyurdu this evening. The victory leaves them 3 points clear at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig.

International Round-Up: 10th & 11th October

The Euro 2012 Qualifying stage drew to a close on Tuesday night with plenty of Everton players in action on the international stage. I'll start the round-up, though, with Monday night's game.

Ross Barkley started for England U21s as they won 1-2 in Norway. Barkley assisted the young Lions' second goal - scored by Jordan Henderson. Jack Rodwell missed out due to a groin injury sustained in training.

Marouane Fellaini scored for Belgium on Tuesday night, although their 3-1 loss at the hands of Germany means that they have failed to qualify for next year's tournament. Which is probably a good thing for Everton. Nice one, Belgium.

Apostolos Vellios recovered from a foot injury to come off the bench for Greece U21s and score their third goal in a 1-3 victory over Belarus.

Ján Mucha's Slovakia will also not be competing in Poland/Ukraine. The Everton back-up keeper played in his side's final group game, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Macedonia, as Slovakia finished 4th in Group B.

Seamus Coleman was an unused substitute for the Republic of Ireland who beat Armenia 2-1 to finish 2nd in Group B and claim a play-off place.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored for Russia in their 6-0 thrashing of Andorra. The Everton man entered the fray after 72 minutes and added Russia's 6th goal on 78 minutes. Russia topped their group and are safely through to Euro 2012.

Shane Duffy was another Everton goalscorer tonight. The Scunthorpe loanee scored Ireland U21s' fourth goal in their 1-4 win over Liechtenstein U21s.

Joseph Yobo played in Nigeria's 0-0 friendly draw with Ghana. It was Nigeria's first match since their failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

Loan Watch: 8th October

A trio of Everton players have been in action for their loan clubs this past week. Here's how they fared:

Shane Duffy's Scunthorpe United suffered a thoroughly disappointing week. The Irish defender played in the 0-1 defeat to Oldham in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy midweek and then in the 2-3 League reverse to Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Jose Baxter also played twice in the week. Tranmere's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Accrington Stanley was sadly abandoned due to a horrific neck injury to Stanley's Tom Bender, although Baxter got an assist in the draw at Charlton on Saturday.

Luke Garbutt made his debut for Cheltenham Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek as the Robins put in an excellent performance to win 1-3 at Wycombe. And on his first league start, against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, he assisted Cheltenham's first goal.

Loan Watch - 1st October

Away from the disappointing events of the 216th Merseyside derby, several of Everton's players were in action for their loan sides this weekend.

João Silva scored for Vitória de Setúbal as they beat Rio Ave 2-1 on Friday night. You can see the Portuguese striker's goal in this video - about 2 minutes in.

Jose Baxter made his second appearance for Tranmere Rovers in their 0-0 draw with Bournemouth at Prenton Park.

Shane Duffy played the full ninety minutes for Scunthorpe United as they won 1-2 at Stevenage.

Luke Garbutt, who only joined Cheltenham Town this week, was an unused substitute as his new side secured a great 1-3 victory at Bristol Rovers.

Joseph Yobo was involved in a great game over in Turkey, where his Fenerbahçe side eventually ran out 4-2 winners over Büyükşehir.

Araz Abdullayev came on as a 74th minute substitute as Neftçi Baku beat Simurq 2-1. The Azerbaijani winger is not on loan - but Everton have first option on him should he be granted a work permit.

Duffy Earns Loan Extension

Shane Duffy's loan at League One side Scunthorpe United is set to be extended for another month.

The Irish defender has impressed at Glanford Park, having made four appearances since joining on deadline day. The initial deal is set to expire this week but an extension has been agreed.

Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill was quick to sing the praises of his player, saying that "when the ball comes into the box he (Duffy) really wants to head it - before anyone else. He's a proper centre-half."

Knill continued: "I've spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone else's first team. It's better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well than in the reserves.

"That's what they sent him to us for, to learn, and that's what he's doing. I think he's getting better."

Duffy, who was instrumental in Scunthorpe's 2-1 victory over Yeovil Town on Saturday, will hope to get some more time on the pitch when the Iron travel to Stevenage this weekend.

International Round-Up: 6th September

It was a busy night for Everton's international players, here's how they got on:

Victor Anichebe overcame a slight injury that he sustained last week to start for Nigeria in their friendly against Argentina in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Super Eagles were captained by Everton defender Joseph Yobo, who recently completed a loan move to Fenerbahce. Gonzalo Higuain gave the Argentinians the lead (24) and Angel Di Maria scored a second two minutes later (26). Nigeria pulled one back through Chinedu Obasi (46) before an own goal from Uwa Echiejile (65) made it 3-1 to Argentina, which is how it ended.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was a 76th minute substitute for Russia in Ireland. The match finished goalless, largely thanks to some incredible defensive play from Richard Dunne and Shay Given.

Shane Duffy, who has joined Scunthorpe United on loan, played the last 15 minutes as his Republic of Ireland U21 side went down 1-0 in Turkey. The only goal of the game was scored by Şahin Aygüneş (10).

John Heitinga's Netherlands all but booked their place at Euro 2012 after a 0-2 win in Finland - the Dutch goals coming courtesy of Kevin Strootman (29) and Luuk de Jong (90). Everton man Heitinga played the full game.

Tim Cahill was left on the bench for Australia against Saudi Arabia after picking up a very slight knock against Thailand. He did come on for the last 5 minutes, by which time the Socceroos had the game tied up thanks to goals from Josh Kennedy (40, 56) and Luke Wilkshire (77). Saudi Arabia did get one back through Al-Shamrani (65) but it proved just a consolation.

Everton's back-up keeper Jan Mucha had a terrible night as his Slovakia side lost 0-4 at home to minnows Armenia. The goals came from Movsisyan (57), Mkhitaryan (70), Ghazaryan (80) and Sarkisov (90). Household names.

Phil Jagielka remained an unused substitute as England beat Wales at Wembley courtesy of a solitary Ashley Young goal. Jagielka's team-mate Leighton Baines withdrew from the squad last week due to injury.

Tim Howard and Marouane Fellaini faced each other as the USA travelled to Belgium for a friendly. Fellaini will have the bragging rights at Finch Farm next week after the Belgians came out on top 1-0 thanks to a Nicolas Lombaerts goal.

International Round-Up: 1st September

Several of Everton's young players were in action tonight for their respective national sides. Here's a round-up of how they fared.

I'll start with a fixture that took place last night. Teenage defender Shkodran Mustafi won his first cap for the German U20 side in their 4-2 victory over Poland in Offenburg. Mustafi has previously represented his country at U17 and U19 level and was promoted to the U20 side for the win over Poland.

Striker João Silva was named amongst the substitutes for Portugal's U21 Euro 2013 Qualifier in Moldova tonight. The Everton striker, currently on loan at Portuguese side Vitória de Setúbal, came on after 67 minutes as goals from João Pereira and Rui Fonte handed the Portuguese youngsters a 0-2 victory.

Shane Duffy was an unused substitute as Ireland U21 beat Hungary 2-1 in their Euro Qualifier. Robbie Brady put the Republic ahead on 15 minutes but Hungary drew level before half-time through Portsmouth's Márkó Futács. Arsenal's Rhys Murphy scored the winner for the Irish youngsters on 69 minutes.

Jack Rodwell started for England U21s as they took on Azerbaijan in another of the Euro U21 2013 Qualifying matches. The opposition included winger Araz Abdullayev, who recently joined Greek side PAOK on loan for the season. Another Everton player, Ross Barkley, was on the bench for the hosts.

In the fixture, held at Watford's Vicarage Road, England took the lead after just 5 minutes when Craig Dawson headed home from a Henri Lansbury corner. Lansbury himself doubled the advantage soon afterwards with an excellent volley after good work from his Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Jordan Henderson put England 3-0 up before half-time and further goals from Lansbury, Martyn Waghorn and Craig Dawson after the break secured an emphatic 6-0 victory.

Deadline Day Review

Well, deadline day was a lot more hectic than we all had envisaged.

Before the clock struck 11pm and the transfer window was gently closed (it wasn't slammed shut as Sky Sports would have you believe), a trio of players had left for pastures new and two new faces had been brought in for the season. Our strikeforce has thinned further after the departures of Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu to Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers respectively, whilst play-maker in chief Mikel Arteta has taken up the opportunity of Champions League football at Arsenal.

Over £15m was raised through those three sales but none of the money was reinvested as both new recruits - Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi and Dutch winger Royston Drenthe - have joined on loan deals.

INS

Denis Stracqualursi

Argentine forward Stracqualursi has joined on a season-long loan deal from Tigres in his homeland. I, like most, had never heard of him before, so I am only really going by what I can find on his Wikipedia page - which yesterday read: "In August 2011 Stracqualursi became a mongrel by signing for the stupidly rich Premier League team Everton, owned by Sheik Kenwright."

Which proves the reliability of Wikipedia. Anyway, from what I can gather, he's 23-years-old, 6ft 3 and finished top of the Argentinian goalscoring charts last year after netting 22 times in 35 appearances. Previous top scorers in the Argentinian Primera División include a host of players who have enjoyed successful careers in Europe; Javier Saviola, Mauro Zárate, Fernando Cavenaghi and Lisandro López, and so David Moyes will be hoping that Denis can prove a menace to Premier League defences.

When we were struggling in the mid-nineties we brought in a 6ft 3 centre-forward on loan. And that one didn't turn out too bad...

Royston Drenthe

Our second loan signing was Real Madrid's 24-year-old Dutch winger, Royston Drenthe. Middle name Ricky, of course. Drenthe, who can operate in midfield as well as in defence, was signed by Real Madrid in 2007 for 14 million Euros. He featured regularly at first, but gradually fell out of favour at the Bernabéu before spending last season on loan helping Hércules get relegated.

The wideman arrives on Merseyside with a bit of an off-the-pitch reputation as a loose cannon, just like another Dutchman well known to Evertonians, 'Shandy' van der Meyde. On the pitch he will add some much needed pace to the side - you would be hard pushed to find a faster player in the league.

Drenthe is a free agent at the end of the season and so, if everything goes well, we might be able to extend his stay at Goodison.

OUTS

Shane Duffy

Teenage centre-half Shane Duffy has joined Scunthorpe United on an initial month-long loan deal. The 19-year-old has European experience having played for Everton against AEK Athens and BATE Borisov, and will now look to force his way into the first team setup by getting regular games for League One side Scunthorpe.

Yakubu

'The Yak' will be put on a new diet of Venky's chicken following his transfer to Blackburn Rovers. The fee differs according to which report you read but it is believed to be around £1.5-2m. A snip of the once club record transfer fee of £11.25m that we paid for his services, but after not featuring for a while it was best to get that than nothing.

It also means that he is off the wage bill, something that is critical for Everton if we are to bring in any players in January. There has been no word on his fellow Nigerian Joseph Yobo, whose transfer to Fenerbahce has been put on hold all Summer.

Jermaine Beckford

£4m profit in just over a year and 10 goals to boot sounds like very good business. It does, however, leave us criminally short up front, with only Vellios (young), Stracqualursi (untried), Anichebe (useless) and Saha (perma-crocked) to choose from.

Beckford jumped two leagues to sign for Everton and, taking that into consideration, ten goals for the season was a very decent effort. They were memorable too - the last-gasp equaliser at Stamford Bridge, the goal at Anfield and who could forget the Roy of the Rovers effort on the final day?

Ever since his touchline spat with David Moyes last season in the 0-3 win at Wolves last season there has been a sense that he was not in the manager's good books. And so the lesson to be learnt is never mess with a Glaswegian... or you might end up with Sven.

Mikel Arteta

It was on. It was off. It was on again.

That was the story of Mikel Arteta's deadline day move to Arsenal. After 6 1/2 years of plying his trade at Everton, I don't begrudge him the move to a side that will contest in the Champions League season on season. It's not a question of money as most outlets are reporting he took a pay cut to become a Gunner (goner) and so after so long of having had the pleasure of watching him I wish him all the best in London.

I was - to coin Harry Redknapp - 'gutted' to see Mikel leave but the timing of it frustrated me more than anything. With so little time to find a replacement, the only place the £10m is going is to the bank. Apart from the 85p in every pound that goes to Finch Farm, of course...

Thanks for the memories Mikel - it's been a pleasure. You leave with my best wishes and you leave behind some great memories - the wondergoal against Fiorentina, the derby winner, the equaliser against United, the unstoppable free-kick against Hull. The best little Spaniard I knew.

Whilst I'm sad to see the back of Arteta, it is a part of football. Players will come and go and break fans' hearts. But Everton are forever. It feels very much like the end of an era. But that only means that another is about to begin. Marouane, Jack, Ross, Denis, Royston... over to you.

Duffy Joins Scunthorpe On Loan

Teenage Everton centre-back Shane Duffy has signed for League One side Scunthorpe United on an initial month-long loan deal.

Duffy spent a month on loan at Burnley last season but only played one game at Turf Moor in his stint there.

The 19-year-old began his career in Ireland with youth side Foyle Harps before joining Everton in November 2008. He made his Everton debut as a substitute in the 0-1 win over AEK Athens and followed that appearance up with a 90-minute appearance against BATE Borisov.

And the youngster has now been sent to Glanford Park for a month-long loan deal that could be extended further if it proves a success.

Norwich City Reserves 2-1 Everton Reserves

A youthful Everton reserve side lost 2-1 to Norwich at Carrow Road on Tuesday night in their third fixture of the season.

The visitors were missing a host of players for various reasons. Both regular centre backs Shane Duffy and Shkodran Mustafi were away on international duty with Ireland U21 and Germany U19 respectively.

Nigerian duo Yakubu and Joseph Yobo, who had both featured in the second string's opening two games, were also absent form the squad. Yobo is expected to complete his protracted transfer to Fenerbahce tomorrow, whilst Yakubu could also be on his way out.

That meant that coach Alan Stubbs had a young set of players from which to choose from and the selected starting eleven was: Davies, Browning, Nsiala, Dier, Bidwell, Orenuga, Lundstram, Forshaw, Garbutt, Baxter, McAleny.

Everton took the lead just before half time when, after Norwich goalkeeper Remi Matthews had made a smart double save, midfielder John Lundstram scored from range.

In front of a crowd that included ex-Everton and current Norwich forward James Vaughan, the canaries fought hard in the second half and grabbed a deserved equaliser on 73 minutes through Richard Brindley.

Minutes later the home side won a penalty when Andrew Surman went over in the box. The same player picked himself up and took the spot-kick, but Adam Davies in the Everton goal saved the effort - just as Tim Howard had done for the senior side at Ewood Park on Saturday.

The fixture looked to be heading for a draw but Norwich stole all three points in injury time through Aaron Wilbraham and Everton left empty-handed.

Duffy In Republic U21 Squad

Everton defender Shane Duffy has been called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for the forthcoming UEFA Under-21 Championships qualifiers against Hungary and Turkey.

The Republic youngsters will host Hungary at the Showgrounds, Sligo, on Thursday, September 1 before travelling to Manisa to take on Turkey on Tuesday, September 6.

Duffy was part of the side that beat Austria 2-1 in a friendly earlier this month, and manager Noel King has stuck with 15 of the players that were in that squad.

King is keen to build on an impressive performance against the Austrians but knows that his charges will face a tough test against Hungary.

"It's always nice to get off to a good start in a qualifying group but nobody will be qualified on the first day. It's a lengthy process to reach the finals but we'll obviously be looking to start as well as possible.

"I've watched Hungary several times. I saw them at the Toulon tournament during the Summer and have looked at quite a few DVDs. They're an excellent side with players playing top division in their own country and the Bundesliga.

"The players enjoyed the Austria game and we were all delighted with how it went so we'll be looking to achieve a similar result and performance this time around."

The full Republic of Ireland squad is; Ian McLoughlin, Aaron McCarey, Lanre Oyebanjo, Shane Duffy, Gavin Gunning, Rob Kiernan, Niall Canavan, Aidan White, Richie Towell, Mark Connolly, Adam Barton, Conor Clifford, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Doran, Robbie Brady, Sean Scannell, Joe Mason.

Everton Reserves 0-2 Fulham Reserves

An Everton reserve side including Nigerian pair Yakubu and Joseph Yobo lost 0-2 to Fulham in their second league fixture this afternoon.

Yobo and Yakubu were both included in the starting line-up for the behind-closed-doors league fixture at Finch Farm, despite the former reported to be on the verge of signing for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

The full Everton side was: Davies; Garbutt, Yobo, Duffy, Browning; Forshaw, Wallace, Baxter, Orenuga; Yakubu, Vellios.

Alexander Brister gave the Cottagers the lead five minutes into the second half and Courtney Harris grabbed the second shortly afterwards.

Everton failed to recover from the two quickfire goals and the match finished 0-2.

Everton Reserves: Davies, Browning (Mustafi 56), Garbutt, Duffy, Yobo, Orenuga, Baxter, Wallace, Forshaw, Vellios, Yakubu.

Fulham Reserves: Bettinelli, Passley, Smith, Arthurworrey (Dean 73), Burn, Pritchard, Brister, Harris, Donegan (Minkwitz 64), Frei, Kacaniklic.

Goals: Brister 50, Harris 55.

West Brom Reserves 2-2 Everton Reserves

Two Everton goals in the space of as many minutes earned Everton reserves a point against West Bromwich Albion in the first game of the new campaign.

Conor McAleny and Yakubu scored Everton's goals in the 73rd and 75th minutes respectively to salvage Everton a point after efforts from West Brom's James Hurst and Saido Berahino had left the visitors 2-0 down.

Goalscorer Yakubu and fellow Nigerian Joseph Yobo were the most experienced names on the Everton teamsheet, and both played the full game in the behind-closed-doors fixture.

In the opening exchanges both James Wallace and Conor McAleny had efforts saved, but the Blues fell behind on 38 minutes to a James Hurst volley.

Despite suffering that setback Everton continued to attack and further chances fell to Yakubu and Femi Orenuga, whilst Yobo went close from a free-kick.

Youngster Berahino doubled the Baggies' advantage with a 68th minute tap-in, but Everton again responded well and were rewarded shortly afterwards.

A left-wing cross from Jake Bidwell was headed home by McAleny and just two minutes later the Blues were level as Yakubu's neat finish rescued a deserved point.

West Bromwich Albion: Fulop; Jones, McAuley, Ibanez (Downing 45), Mattock (Gayle 72); Hurst (Edge 85), Thorne, Mantom, O'Neil; Sawyers, Berahino. Subs not used: Daniels, Goldsmith.

Everton: Davies; Browning, Yobo, Mustafi, Bidwell; Orenuga, Wallace, Baxter, Forshaw; McAleny, Yakubu. Subs not used: Roberts, Duffy, Nsiala, Forrester, Higgins.

International Round-Up: 9th August

Shane Duffy played the second half for the Republic of Ireland U21 side on Tuesday night, whilst Araz Abdullayev featured for Azerbaijan U21s.

Centre-half Duffy was introduced at half-time in the Republic's friendly U21 game with Austria with the scores level at 0-0. Against the run of play, Austria took the lead on 68 minutes through a free-kick from Raphael Holfhauser.

Ireland responded well and managed to turn the game on its head thanks to a brace from Robbie Brady. The Manchester United youngster levelled the game on 72 minutes before winning - and converting - a penalty in injury time.

Earlier in the day teenager Araz Abdullayev represented Azerbaijan U21 as they won 3-1 in Estonia. Abdullayev started in Tallinn as goals from Cihan Özkara (2) and Mirhüseyn Seyidov gave the Azerbaijanis victory.

Everton have not yet signed Abdullayev - but the club do have first option on the 18-year-old providing he can obtain a work permit.

One game that didn't take place today was the Ghana v Nigeria fixture. The game was scheduled to be held at Watford's Vicarage Road, but was cancelled amid safety fears following the riots in the capital.

That meant that Victor Anichebe and Joseph Yobo were denied the chance to represent their country, although Yakubu was not in the squad.

Defender Seeking Loan Move

Everton's Irish centre-half Shane Duffy has revealed that he is looking to go out on loan in the coming season to gain experience.

Duffy, 19, spent part of last season on loan at Championship side Burnley although, speaking to the Irish Independent, the youngster said he felt that the move was not a success.

"Burnley was the right club for me to go on loan to, but maybe at the wrong time. I played the full match (against Ipswich) but didn't get in after that."

His exclusion from the Ireland U19 squad compounded a miserable year for the young defender and he is determined to make amends this time around: "I didn't regain my fitness and my performances weren't good at all.

"The Ireland U19s turned out to be a real disappointment too. I don't think the manager (Paul Doolin) really fancied me. I felt I was playing well enough but he chooses the squad.

"I didn't even watch the European finals (in which Ireland reached the semi-finals) on television. If I'm not there, I can't watch. But I knew most of the lads and I was delighted that they did so well at the finals.

"It was a poor season for me and I want to have a better one - starting with this U21 game tonight". The game in question is the Republic's friendly with Croatia - although unfortunately for Duffy he has not been included in the starting line-up.

With a disappointing chapter in his footballing career behind him, Duffy is now searching for a loan move to enhance his opportunities.

"There's not much point in staying at Everton with four quality centre-backs ahead of me and the manager David Moyes wants me getting more experience.

"I made my Everton debut quite young (at 17) but a couple of games doesn't mean you've made it. I really need a full season of playing games to mature properly as a player."

Duffy In Ireland U21 Squad

Everton defender Shane Duffy has been named in the 18-man Republic of Ireland squad for the U21 friendly with Austria next week.

The game will take place at The Showgrounds, Sligo on Tuesday, August 9 (6:00pm). Manager Noel King has named an 18-man squad for the fixture that he hopes will serve as good preparation for a U21 Euro qualifier against Hungary in September.

"This game is an important preparation game for us ahead of our opening qualifying game against Hungary in Sligo on September 1. Every friendly match we play is about looking at players to see if they can help strengthen the team for the competitive matches.

"Austria are Hungary's neighbours so will have some similarities in their approach to the game. It would be fantastic if we could qualify for the finals in Israel 2013 but there is a long journey with a tough group to tackle."

The full Irish squad is: Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons), Aaron McCarey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Enda Stevens (Shamrock Rovers), Aidan White (Leeds United), Richie Towell (Celtic), Shane Duffy (Everton), Gavin Gunning (Blackburn Rovers), Rob Kiernan (Wigan Athletic), Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe United), Adam Barton (Preston North End), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Mark Connolly (Bolton Wanderers), Daniel Kearns Dundalk), Aaron Doran (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Joe Mason (Cardiff City), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace), Robert Brady (Manchester United - on loan at Hull City).

Oxford United 1-0 Everton XI

As a Southern Toffee at a loose end on a Friday night, I headed along to see the 'stars of tomorrow' in action against Oxford United yesterday. The young Toffees put in a strong performance but were sunk by a fantastic James Constable volley.

Alan Stubbs' squad included five players that had joined up with the first team on the recent American tour; Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye, Conor McAleny, Apostolos Vellios and goalkeeper Adam Davies.

After paying my £14 - yes, £14 for a reserve friendly - I was admitted into the Kassam Stadium. It was, quite frankly a bit shit. The most obvious thing about the ground was that it only had three sides, a fact that, to the continuous annoyance of the ballboys, meant that anytime a shot flew over the fence behind the goal, it would have to be found somewhere in the car park.

I only just arrived in time for kick off after getting trapped in Friday night traffic, although luckily the 60s style scoreboard told me that the line up was; Davies, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Garbutt, Orenuga, Forshaw, Barkley, Gueye, McAleny, Vellios.

With it being a youthful side against a full-strength League 2 side, I was expecting quite an even game. The first half proved anything but. Everton dominated proceedings with Barkley and Forshaw in centre midfield controlling the game.

I had been looking forward to seeing Barkley play for the first time, and I wasn't disappointed. Although he faded a little after the break, for the first 45 minutes he was the best player on the park. His touch, control and passing were all flawless, he always looked for a forward pass or a run and he was utterly comfortable on the ball. He was the creative hub of the team and bore likeness to an on-song Mikel Arteta.

Winger Femi Orenuga also impressed on the right-hand side. He is quick and skilful and reminded me somewhat of Shaun Wright-Phillips. On countless occasions he beat his man and delivered teasing crosses into the box.

Conor McAleny looked lively throughout and was always on the move. He was denied by the foot of the post, shortly before Magaye Gueye had warmed the keeper's gloves with a rasping free-kick. It was fair to say that Everton had the best of the first half, but Vellios' headed effort shortly before the break was another missed opportunity.

Vellios was replaced by Joao Silva at half-time, with Lundstram, Hope and Bidwell all entering the fray later in the second period. Oxford came back into the game and almost went ahead when Tyias Browning's short backpass was well dealt with under pressure by goalkeeper Adam Davies.

Everton should have taken the lead shortly afterwards with a solo counter attack from Ross Barkley. The blue-booted youngster 'did a Beckford' and ran with the ball from inside his own half towards the opposition goal. He was joined by Silva and Orenuga, but elected to try to chip the 'keeper rather than pass. His shot went just wide and that was just about the last action we saw of him as he was withdrawn by Alan Stubbs.

Oxford scored what proved to be the winner on 58 minutes - and it was a goal worthy of winning any match. The ball sat up nicely on the edge of the area and James Constable needed no invitation, sending a powerful volley into the top left hand corner. Unstoppable.

Oxford held onto the lead but it was a pleasing performance from the young Toffees, who did threaten later on in the game through Orenuga and Duffy. It ended 1-0 but as we all know the results are irrelevant in pre-season.

For me, it was an enjoyable evening and a good opportunity to see first hand tomorrow's Goodison heroes.

Remember the name - Ross Barkley.

StickyToffee Ratings: Davies 6, Browning 5, Duffy 6, Mustafi 8, Garbutt 7, Orenuga 8, Forshaw 7, Barkley 8, Gueye 6, McAleny 6, Vellios 5.

Subs: Silva 5, Bidwell 5, Hope 5, Lundstram 5

Southport 2-0 Everton XI

An Everton XI was well beaten by Southport this afternoon in the final of the 2011 Liverpool Senior Cup as goals from Karl Ledschan and former Everton youngster John Paul Kissock handed the Sandgrounders a deserved 2-0 victory.

The Everton side was Mateusz Taudul, Tyias Browning, Shane Duffy, Shkodran Mustafi, Jake Bidwell, Jordan Barrow, Adam Forshaw, Jose Baxter, John Lundstram, Luke Garbutt and Joao Silva.

The Blues were behind in just 90 seconds, as a long throw-in was not dealt with by the Everton defence and turned home by Ledschan. Southport doubled their advantage on eight minutes as the outstanding Kissock curled in a free-kick from 30 yards.

Everton, without Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios who are in America with the first team, failed to recover from the two early goals.

Anton Forrester, Adam Forshaw and Adam Thomas all came on to try to salvage the result but all Everton's efforts were in vain.

It was a below-par performance which ended in Southport running out comfortable winners. Captain Jose Baxter tweeted: "For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful."