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Kevin Sheedy believes there is the potential for some top Premier League players to emerge from his title-winning Everton under-18 side.

The young Blues were crowned Barclays U18 Premier League champions on Saturday after a 1-0 win against Manchester City in the end of season play-off final at Goodison Park.

Harry Charsley’s goal was the difference between the two sides, though there were strong performances all over the pitch.

And Sheedy says the challenge for his youngsters now is to take the next step, and progress towards first-team level.

He said: “That’s the aim, to produce players who can play for Everton at senior level.

“There is bags of potential within this side, both individually and collectively.

“We think we have some top players coming through here, and it is our jobs as coaches to nurture and develop those talents.

“I was so proud of the players on Saturday. To play Tottenham and Manchester City, two very good sides, in quick succession, and to stand up to the test both times, says so much about the quality and the attitude of this team.

“We had five schoolboys on the field on Saturday, whilst most of the City side were second-year scholars, so that says plenty about the strength in depth that we have at youth level here.”

For Sheedy and his coaching team, it is reward for a long, hard season. But the former Goodison great said he was also focusing on repeating the feat next year.

He said: “It is very satisfying for the coaches, because a lot of hard work has gone into this season, and every season. It was great for us to end on a high note.

“Last season we got to the semi-final in the league, and lost to Reading, and we lost in the quarter final of the FA Youth Cup as well.

“On both occasions our performances on the big stage were not at the level I expected.

“But this season we showed that winning mentality, that desire to make sure we were not beaten.

“We had to dig deep on Saturday and really work for it, but the players deserve it, and it is all credit to them.

“I said to the players afterwards that this is the standard we have set now – a very high one.

“We have to make sure that we match that next season, because that is what Everton is all about. “We don’t rest on our laurels, we keep striving to be better and better.”

Sheedy added: “This experience will stand these players in good stead.

“To play in such meaningful matches, and at Goodison Park as well, is fantastic for young players.

“But the main thing is to instil that winning mentality.

“We don’t want to be good losers here, we want to be winners, and that is as important as any of the skills or physical attributes.”