David Moyes reveals whether Everton are considering recalling Harrison Armstrong from Preston

Add as preferred source on Google

Harrison Armstrong is the young Everton prospect who has shown the most promise of making an impact on the first team.

Despite his best efforts over the summer, Armstrong was sent out for another loan stint in the Championship with Preston North End.

Perhaps a credit to the 18-year-old midfielder’s talent and maturity, but Everton have found it relatively easy to find him suitable loan moves in the early stages of his career.

Everton News understands that Everton would ideally like to leave Armstrong at Preston for the remainder of the season.

Under Paul Heckingbottom, Armstrong is playing regular football in the Championship, where he is impressing week on week.

However, recent suspensions and injuries have left David Moyes light in the midfield department as he assesses his options ahead of January.

• READ MORE: Alan Stubbs has spotted a drastic change at Everton which may have gone unnoticed

David Moyes admits Everton will consider Harrison Armstrong recall from Preston

Preston manager Heckingbottom has been so impressed with Armstrong and thinks it is crucial the midfielder remains at Deepdale for his own development.

The youngster has become an integral part of the starting XI at Preston, as he continues to show just what he could offer to Everton.

Speaking on Friday, Moyes admitted that Armstrong’s recall option is something that will have to be considered in January.

“I’m really happy with how Harrison is doing. He’s coming on great. I think Preston would be hugely disappointed if we took him back,” said Moyes.

“He’s also got an injury and has been out for the last few games. Hopefully, he is due back very shortly. We’ll consider it in January, but at the moment, him getting the games at the age he is at and where he is performing… Preston will hopefully have a good chance at making the play-offs.”

Heckingbottom does not think Armstrong’s injury is too serious following his stint with the England U21s in the recent international break.

Now a key member of the side at Deepdale, it would certainly be a huge blow for the Lilywhites if Armstrong was taken away from them in January.

• READ MORE: Colin Chong takes subtle swipe at Liverpool as Everton announce 2035 Women’s World Cup bid

Everton would need to ensure Armstrong received regular minutes

If Armstrong was to return to Merseyside, the 18-year-old would require regular minutes to continue the development he is building in Lancashire.

Everton News columnist Alan Myers wants to see Everton sign a midfielder in the January window.

This, alongside a return for Merlin Rohl, could see the Blues through until the end of the term, with Idrissa Gana Gueye only missing around a month for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite Moyes admitting Everton will consider a recall, there was a clear feeling that the 62-year-old knew Armstrong may be better staying at Deepdale.

Moyes has been keeping a close eye on Armstrong at Preston, but the player’s long-term future has to be taken into consideration.