David Moyes says his young Everton stars have justified their inclusion in his first team of late, and has pointed to their displays as being evidence of a promotion to the senior side on merit.
Moyes has recently seen Dan Gosling, 19, and Jack Rodwell, 17, impress in first-team action for The Toffees, with both Academy products having scored in recent FA Cup ties.
Debate often rages about blooding young players too early, but Moyes says his hotshots have proven their worth already by showing they are too good to not play in his senior side.
“I just don't believe in that burn-out thing. If anything now, the kids need to play more games, because it is so hard to get them in The Premier League, given the foreign competition. It's going that way, and it's a shame, because we still desperately need the young English - and Scottish players - to come through,” said Moyes.
“We really do try to do that here, and not just out of necessity.
“These boys wouldn't get a look in at other clubs, but they have had their chance here, and who can possibly say they haven't taken it?
“Gosling has stepped up to the mark, he's done what we asked of him, and Rodwell has been outstanding, considering how he's been thrown in.
“There are others here too, and they will get their chances at Everton. When I was 18, I was in the first team at Celtic, as were players like Charlie Nicholas and Paul McStay.
“That doesn't happen now, but it's a crying shame, and we want to build this club from the foundation of local boys who come right through the system. That way, you get a real sense of being part of something.”
