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

Marco Silva has complete confidence that Ademola Lookman is ready to step into the starting line-up whenever he is asked.

The 21-year-old has been restricted to appearances from the bench in the Premier League so far this term, but has been thoroughly impressive with the chances he has been given.

The youngster came off the bench to set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin's crucial header against Crystal Palace and put in a confident display when introduced in the second half of Everton's 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge just before the international break.

Those performances have led to some calling for the winger to be used from the start by Silva , and the manager knows that Lookman is doing everything in his power to impress him.

"He's doing enough, I don't have doubts about that," Silva told the ECHO.

"There's tough competition, not just for him but for all the players, but he's making it really difficult for those who are playing which is what I want.

"I have had no doubts since the first day, I've always spoken about my belief in him and I think he's a fantastic football player. I'm sure he can achieve really important things with this football club and in his career.

"He's performing well when he has the chance and he's doing the same every day here at Finch Farm.

"Competition is hard. We're achieving good results and the players are doing their best to keep their positions in their squad.

(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

"But this is the normal way, it's not something that happens just with us. He's doing everything and I'm sure if I make the decision for him to start he's more than ready."

Throughout the summer there were rumours of a potential transfer for Lookman, with RB Leipzig keen on taking the youngster permanently after what was a successful loan spell with the Bundesliga side in the second half of the 2017/18 term.

However, Silva stood firm throughout the transfer window and made clear the Everton star was going nowhere - which the manager now thinks the club are reaping the benefits from.

The boss believes Lookman's attitude has been exemplary over the last few months and he has no doubt the exciting youngster will see his amazing potential fulfilled.

Silva added: "Even in pre-season when we spoke about him it was tough and hard for us.

"We spoke many time with him because it's our obligation in that moment to give everything that we can to keep a player like him in our squad.

"When Lookman started to think, to have pleasure, to smile when he came here and to enjoy his work - he found his level.

"He has the talent, he has the quality, he has the attitude as well and an ambition behind him. And I have no doubts about what he can do."