Lookman goals could signal end of Everton spell for Lennon

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Ademola Lookman struck twice for Everton on Thursday night, but what left for Aaron Lennon?

Everton manager Sam Allardyce will have plenty of selection headaches when it comes to picking his starting line-up for Sunday afternoon’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

A number of his young stars, as well as fringe players, excelled on Thursday night in Cyprus as the Toffees earned a 3-0 Europa League win over Apollon Limassol and they could be inducted into the Everton side for Sunday.

Harry Charsley, Nikola Vlasic and Mo Besic were all impressive for the Toffees, but Allardyce’s attention will be drawn straight towards speed machine Ademola Lookman who shone in the makeshift side.

Opening the scoring with a back-post header after good work and a neat cross from Vlasic, former Charlton Athletic youngster Lookman then sent a long-range drive into the top corner from 25 yards.

Still only 20 years of age, Lookman has shown in glimpses of what he is capable of since his move to Goodison Park in January from League One outfit Charlton. But surely Allardyce must consider starting him against Liverpool?

If he does, and continues to use Lookman in his first-team plans, it would surely spell the end of Aaron Lennon’s time on Merseyside as the pocket-sized 30-year-old is set to enter the final six months of his contract.

The former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur ace has been in and out of the side since being signed by Roberto Martinez, but did start in the victories over West Ham and Huddersfield.

However, with Lookman shining and having age on his side by a whole decade, surely Everton would rather place their faith in a player that is showing enough potential to eclipse the talent of Lennon.

That would mean the 21-time England international is surely set to leave Everton with his contract running out, and it could see the Toffees even wave goodbye to Lennon in January as they would bring in some cash for the winger instead of losing him on a free in the summer.