Ellis Simms wants to keep scoring goals and progressing his all-round game at Everton after signing his first professional contract with the Club.



The 18-year-old striker has been rewarded for an outstanding season for the Blues’ Under-18s – which saw him score 46 goals in all competitions – with a professional deal as he looks to make the step up to David Unsworth’s double-winning Under-23s in 2019-20.



Simms joined Everton Academy aged 16 and the powerful forward believes the Club’s proven track record for developing young talent gives him the ideal platform to push on.



“It means a lot to me to sign this contract,” said Simms. “It’s what I’ve been aiming to do since I was a kid – sign my first professional deal – so I’m really happy.



“My target now is to just keep going, keep scoring goals and keep working on the areas of my game that I need to work on, and keep progressing.



“Hopefully I can continue to do that at the next step, which is the Under-23s. It’s going to be quite hard to top the season they’ve just had but hopefully I can play my part and ensure there’s more good things to come.”



Simms added: “Seeing the pathway from the Academy through to the first team shows that this Club can progress players.



“You know if you keep doing the right things you will get a chance, then it’s down to you to take it.”