Everton defender Seamus Coleman has admitted he has been ‘very impressed’ by the efforts of youngster Jonjoe Kenny in his absence.
Kenny, 20, was promoted into the first-team setup at Goodison Park for seven of their final nine Premier League games of the season, following Coleman’s devastating injury setback.
The Everton regular had suffered a double-leg break whilst playing for the Republic of Ireland during the international break in March, and is facing at least six months on the sidelines.
In his absence, Kenny has shared first-team duties with fellow youngster Mason Holgate, but Coleman admits the former has made a particularly lasting impression.
He told the club’s official website: “I’m very impressed with Jonjoe and I have been for a while. Any time he’s come up to train with us he’s stood out.
“First and foremost, he’s a great lad, which is important when you step up and, as a player, I think he’s definitely going to make plenty of Everton appearances because he’s got that ability.”
Despite being named in the matchday squad on eight occasions last season, Kenny only actually featured once, a brief cameo appearance during the 1-0 defeat to Swansea on May 6.
The Everton academy product, who joined the Merseyside club at the age of nine, signed a new three-year deal at the club back in September.
But with Coleman almost certain to miss the start of the 2017-18 campaign, the England Under 20 international could have a very important role to play in the first-team squad next term.
The Republic of Ireland international did however, insist that he would be looking to challenge the youngster in a bid to win his right-back spot back upon his return to full fitness.