Stay in control of the latest Blues news with our Everton newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ryan Ledson wants to experience the “real world” to help him make the step up to Everton’s first-team.

The 17-year-old believes a loan spell in the Football League is important this season as he looks to earn a permanent place in the senior set-up.

Ledson made his Everton debut in December’s Europa League tie with Krasnodar and featured for the Blues in Tuesday night’s friendly with Dundee.

The under-21s’ captain is expected to play against either Leeds United or Villarreal this weekend as Everton play back-to-back warm-up games.

Ledson is determined to make the most of any chances Roberto Martinez gives him but feels a spell away from the club will be vital for his development.

“It would be good for me to go out on loan,” Ledson told the ECHO.

“I’ve been in and around the first-team and I’ve played in the under-21s for two years so the next step for me is to go and play men’s football and see what it’s about in the real world.”

Ledson was part of the Everton squad that travelled to Singapore earlier this month but the teenager didn’t play.

But the Fazakerley midfielder’s hard work was rewarded with a 10 minute cameo at Dens Park this week.

“I was made up to play at Dundee,” he added.

“I’d been working hard in Singapore and worked hard all week in Scotland so I was glad to get on.

“Hopefully I can get some more time but I’ll have to see what happens.

“Maybe against Leeds or if not, in Dunc’s testimonial.”

Martinez gave fellow Academy players Kieran Dowell, Matthew Pennington and Antonee Robinson game time against Dundee and Ledson says the Blues manager is always encouraging the club’s emerging stars.

“He’s encouraging me to get on the ball as much as I can and make the team play, pass forward as the likes of Barry, McCarthy and now Tom Cleverley do.

“I think he’s a really good addition to the squad.”

“I had opportunities last year with the first-team, going away in the Europa League and then coming away with them on pre-season.

“The manager has given me the opportunities so it’s down to me now to take them.”