Everton youngster Mason Holgate must take his chance tonight with senior players set to return

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Holgate appears likely to start alongside debutant Kurt Zouma at centre-back this evening.

Everton face Rotherham United in the Carabao Cup this evening, in what could be an important opportunity for Mason Holgate to cement his position in the first team.

With Phil Jagielka still suspended, Michael Keane injured and Yerry Mina not yet ready, it appears likely Holgate will start alongside debutant Kurt Zouma at the centre of the Toffees’ defence against the Championship side.

The 21-year-old has started the Blues’ last two games following Jagielka’s red card in the season opener, but with the club captain eligible to return against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, tonight is a huge chance to prove to Marco Silva that he should be a regular starter.

After an impressive performance against Southampton, Holgate was poor against Bournemouth last weekend, with his passing and defensive positioning looking suspect at times.

The Englishman cannot afford a similar performance against Rotherham at Goodison Park tonight, especially with Zouma now ready, Jagielka returning and Mina likely to be available after the upcoming international break.

The arrival of Mina and Zouma, two 23-year-olds with massive potential, on transfer deadline day mean Silva will have a wealth of choice at the back once all his options are available, and Holgate, the least experienced option in terms of senior football, must seize this opportunity.

With Silva likely to start with a back four including two full debutants, Zouma and left-back Lucas Digne, and 21-year-old Jonjoe Kenny, Holgate has a massive chance to prove his maturity and stake a claim for a starting spot moving forward.