Chris Long joins Brentford on loan

Everton announced today that striker Chris Long has joined Brentford on a one-month loan. The Bees are currently in fifth place on the Championship table with 46 points, only five points behind leaders Bournemouth.

Long, 19, has been with the Everton academy since he was five years old and made his senior debut with the Blues in the home Europa League fixture with FC Krasnodar earlier this season. The forward went out on a one-month loan to League One MK Dons last season and also represented England internationally at a number of youth levels.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez had this to say about Long:

"I think it's an important period in Chris' career and it's something he's ready for. I always felt in pre-season when he was with the first team that he's got something special, that knack of making the right move and the right decision and being able to score goals out of nothing. He's been out on loan in League One and I think he is now ready for the Championship."

Brentford manager Mark Warburton also commented on the young player's move:

"Chris is a young boy with enormous potential and who will add value to the group over the coming weeks."

Long will be available for selection for this weekend's match at Norwich City and his loan will end the weekend of February 21st. What do you think about Long playing in the Championship and his future in the Everton first team?