Jonjoe Kenny has broken into Everton’s first team under interim manager David Unsworth.
Joe Royle has told Everton’s official website that promising young right-back Jonjoe Kenny refused to go on loan away from Goodison Park this summer and is now reaping the rewards.
Royle is Everton’s Under-23’s assistant manager to David Unsworth but is also currently helping the interim boss with the first team, while the Toffees hierarchy find a replacement for Ronald Koeman.
During Unsworth’s four games in charge, 20-year-old Kenny has started and finished every minute, starring in Everton’s spectacular comeback win over Watford on Sunday evening.
However, it could have all been so different for the Toffees academy graduate, as he began the season with Cuco Martina, Mason Holgate and Seamus Coleman ahead of him in the rankings. A loan move was advised, but Royle says Kenny rejected that opportunity.
“The fans have wanted to see Jonjoe given a chance. He did not want to go on loan, he wanted to play for Everton,” Royle said. “The easy option would have been to send him out, but he wanted to stay and play for Everton and he has got his chance now.
“He knows he has a fight on because Seamus (Coleman) is working his way back. But, I tell you what, once Jonjoe has got the shirt, he will do his best to keep it for as long as possible.”
Kenny, who has been loaned out in the past to Wigan Athletic and Oxford United, is currently with the England Under-21 side as they prepare to face Ukraine on Friday, in what is a qualifier for the 2019 Under-21 Euros in Italy.
England currently sit on top of the group after four matches, and Kenny will be looking to help Aidy Boothroyd’s side cement their position with three points in Kiev.
Kenny is then expected to feature in Everton’s clash against Crystal Palace after the international break on November 18.
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