OPINION
Everton midfielder James McCarthy has missed the entirety of the season so far, but he was given the chance to have a run-out against Manchester United on Sunday.
The rarely-seen 28-year-old came on in the 76th minute in the 4-0 rout of the Red Devils for the impressive Idrissa Gueye, and even though he has been yet to play this season, he hardly put a foot wrong in the time that he was given to play.
This is why Marco Silva must give him the chance to shine in what games are left this season, as it remains to be seen just where his future lies with the club in the next campaign, especially if they end up signing Andre Gomes on a permanent transfer. If they do, then he will be finding himself on the bench pretty much all of the time.
McCarthy does have the quality to do well at Everton, but with chances likely to be few and far between next season, there is without a shadow of a doubt that Silva must hand him more minutes. With nothing left to play for, there could not be a better opportunity for him to impress.
It was unfortunate that he was laid off for as long as he was, as it has given other players the chance to stake their claim for a spot in the starting XI. However, seeing as he is back and fit to play, it would be harsh not to give him a shot to showcase himself.
If his cameo against United was anything to go by, Silva would not be taking a risk in starting him against the likes of Crystal Palace next weekend. With Gomes still suspended, there is no excuse really.