Everton defender Mason Holgate was on the bench for Marco Silva’s side’s first game of the season.
Holgate has not played at all for Everton in 2019, after being sent out on loan to West Bromwich Albion last term.
However, Everton failed to sign a centre-back on deadline day, and that means that Holgate is now third choice for the Toffees.
Michael Keane and Yerry Mina appear to be Silva’s first choice partnership in the heart of his side’s defence.
But Silva has suggested that he is confident that Holgate is now ready to make the step up for Everton.
“It is my expectation [that Holgate can challenge Keane and Mina],” he said.
“What I want to see from him is ambition to improve every day.
“He has good skills and quality. But what will make the difference in any football player is always their ambition, their discipline and focus every day.
“If he can get that every single day, I have no doubts about his quality.”
There are high hopes about Holgate’s future at Everton, but he still faces a battle to win a place in Silva’s team.
The Toffees got their season underway with a clean sheet, as they picked up a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Holgate watched the whole of the game from the bench at Selhurst Park, but he seems to have genuine hope at getting fairly regular game time now.
Everton are next in action at the weekend when they take on Watford.
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