Sean Dyche must give 19-year-old Everton player who Abdoulaye Doucoure likes his debut vs Luton Town

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Well, it actually feels nice not to have to worry about Everton’s top-flight mortality for a change!

Having secured survival with Saturday’s home win over Brentford, the Toffees escaped the drop for a third straight season and ensured that Goodison Park’s final campaign will host Premier League football.

Not only was that key for the legacy of this great old ground, but also for the survival of the club itself.

Now, Friday night’s trip to Luton Town is officially a dead rubber, with only the hosts left with something to play for.

Given Sky Sports likely selected that particular fixture for TV because of the potential relegation ramifications it was expected to have, the lack of importance it now boasts is quite laughable.

Everton vs Luton Town is a dead rubber for the visitors

Given the match means little for the Toffees, it offers a fine opportunity for experimentation, despite Sean Dyche never really being one to mix things up.

But, against a side that leaks goals as freely as the Hatters do, that openness could lend to allowing a youngster an easier integration into the Premier League.

After all, it is the furthest thing from a must-win for Everton now.

There are a number of potential candidates who could earn that spot in the starting first team, with like likes of Mackenzie Hunt and Lewis Warrington the first names who spring to mind.

However, few are arguably more deserving than Jenson Metcalfe.

Sean Dyche could hand Jenson Metcalfe his Everton debut

The 19-year-old midfielder has been with the club since the age of five, and is described by Everton’s official website as: ‘An energetic and technically-proficient central-midfield player’.

However, despite making great strides in recent years up through the academy, an ACL injury suffered in 2022 hampered his progress hugely.

It marked a hammer blow for the boyhood blue, but the club showcased their faith in his talent and work rate by handing him a new four-year deal whilst he was still recovering.

He was unsurprisingly full of gratitude, and could now return with a point to prove as Dyche seeks to refresh his squad ahead of a new season where funds will likely not be plentiful again.

The 52-year-old will want to lean on his youth setup , and the Evertonians simply love a success story from the academy. It makes perfect sense.

A metronomic presence in the midfield for both the U18s and U23s, perhaps he might come in for someone like Abdoulaye Doucoure, allowing James Garner to push further forward.

Ironically enough, the 31-year-old who he might replace on Friday has already outlined his favour towards the teenager, commenting praise on his Instagram after he was named in the senior match-day squad for the first time back in December.

Metcalfe just continues to make great strides forward, and alongside the protection of an inspired Idrissa Gana Gueye, the conditions are perfect for such a debut.