Exclusive: Kevin Phillips left bouncing by 'Massive' Everton update

Kevin Phillips claims Mason Holgate's return from injury "could not have come at a better time" for Everton.

The former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed that it will be a "big boost" to have the "fantastic" 24-year-old back after the disappointing loss at Southampton.

Holgate has returned to training this week as he steps up his recover from a toe injury that has ruled him out of the Toffees' first six Premier League fixtures of the 2020/21 campaign.

The centre-half established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet at Goodison Park last season after a highly successful loan spell at West Brom in 2019.

Phillips suggested Holgate and recent England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the future of the Merseyside club.

"It is a massive boost to have him back because he is a fantastic young player," he told Football Insider.

"He was knocking on the door of the England team just before the injury.

"Him and Calvert-Lewin are emerging as the two young talents from Everton so of course it is great news to hear that he is back in training.

"He is one of their most important players because he was so consistent last season.

"The timing of his return couldn't have come any better considering they have just come off the back of a loss. It will be great to have him back."

In other Everton news, Paul Robinson questions the attitude of 20-year-old attacker after dazzling display last weekend.