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Ronald Koeman suggests Jordan Pickford’s Everton debut is imminent

Everton manager Ronald Koeman at a press conference at Goodison Park on July 10, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
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Everton are leading 1-0 on aggregate, after beating Ružomberok 1-0 in Europa League qualification last night.

Ronald Koeman has suggested to the Liverpool Echo that he may give Jordan Pickford his Everton debut against Ružomberok next week.

Everton are set to take on the Slovakian side in Europa League qualifying in six days’ time.

And Pickford, who signed for Everton from Sunderland earlier this summer, could be brought into the Toffees’ starting line-up for the contest.

Koeman said: “Maarten [Stekelenburg] played half of last season and Jordan has had only eight or nine days of training. Maybe Jordan will play next week.”

Jordan Pickford from Everton during the Pre-Season Friendly between KRC Genk and Everton at Cristal Arena on July 22, 2017 in Genk, Belgium

Pickford was left out of Everton’s team last night, as the Toffees successfully picked up a 1-0 victory over Ružomberok.

Maarten Stekelenburg started in goal for the Toffees, with Pickford giving a watching role from the substitutes’ bench.

Everton scored their goal through Leighton Baines, but never got into top gear, and the tie still remains in the balance.

Pickford is expected to become Koeman’s number one for the new campaign, but is being eased into life at Goodison Park, as he adjusts to playing for a new side.

Everton are set to take on Stoke City on the first day of the Premier League season.

Jordan Pickford celebrates Everton's first goal during the Pre-Season Friendly between KRC Genk and Everton at Cristal Arena on July 22, 2017 in Genk, Belgium