Keith Wyness reveals what Everton sources at ‘Finch Farm’ have told him about Harrison Armstrong
Harrison Armstrong has been backed to become Everton’s next big star amid the teenager’s fine form.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, on what he has been told about Armstrong by his contacts at the Merseyside club.
Armstrong was recalled by Everton from his loan spell at Preston at the beginning of the January transfer window.
The 18-year-old has since started twice in three games for Everton, with David Moyes currently without midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gueye.
Harrison Armstrong could ‘make an impact’ at Everton
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Armstrong’s loan spell at Preston has done the midfielder good.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness revealed what insiders thought about Armstrong when he was coming through the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Last season I was still close to some of the people at Finch Farm and everybody thought that he was outstanding, and they thought that possibly this season would be the right one.
“But the wise heads that I trust, and believe in him, all told me he needed a season away on loan, one more season, then he’d be almost premiership ready. Now, he came on as substitute against Brentford and he was probably the shining light of the whole game for Everton if it was to be one.
“I think he has improved a lot from his loan at Preston and I think he is now ready to try and make an impact. And I think now he’s got a chance with Gana Gueye at AFCON, and with Dewsbury Hall’s injury.
“He’s got a chance, but he suddenly looked the part and I think he’s got the confidence now. He’s played in the Championship, he’s had some serious games, and he’s shone down there. I think he can do a role now. Maybe it is his time to actually go in just half a season early.
“I think now he can be the real deal and can be like a James Garner, another star that’s come through really well with Everton, and so I think yes, I think he’s got a chance to be one for the future and it could be right now.”
Arsenal respond to Everton’s interest in star
Everton hold an interest in Arsenal defender Ben White, with Moyes keen to add a right-back to his squad.
The 28-year-old has not featured as frequently for the Gunners this season, with Jurrien Timber ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Arsenal do not want to lose White in the January window as Mikel Arteta looks to compete on all four fronts in a bid to win a major trophy.