ledson

Young Everton midfielder Ryan Ledson says that he wants to follow in the footsteps of Ross Barkley who is on his way to the World Cup with the England senior squad next month.

Ledson is away with the England Under 17 side, who he captains, and said that he has really enjoyed the experience of being involved with the first team at Everton towards the end of the season.

The youngster said, “The past two weeks before coming here I was training with the first team every day, which was just unbelievable for me.

“I was involved in two of the games [on the bench]. I didn’t know if I’d be involved in the last day of the season or come here, but luckily enough for the England squad I came here!

“I definitely look up to Ross [Barkley]. When I train with him and when we travel with the first-team squad with them, he’s always giving me advice. He tells me to keep going and to keep my feet on the ground. If I can do half as well as he’s done, then I’ll be doing alright. [Ross going to the World Cup] gives you a bit of confidence as you’re following in the same footsteps as them.

“The gaffer’s brilliant. He’s always coming to watch the Under-18s and the U21s, or if he can’t be there he sends one of his assistants. That gives you a boost and makes you want to play well every game so he notices. Every time you train with him he will always pull you to one side and see how you are. He just tells me to keep doing what I’m doing because I’m going the right way.”