Everton to sign young Irish defender

Everton will sign 16-year-old left back Ethan Warnock over the summer. The youngster currently plays for Glentoran who are in the NIFL Premiership and are from east Belfast.

He became the Irish club’s youngest ever outfield player when he made his debut at the age of 15 years and 306 days. In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph on Christmas Eve, he said -

"It was an exciting day for me when I made my Glentoran first team debut and I hadn't played in front of that many people before," said Ethan. "I'm proud to make history. I always wanted to play for the Glens and hopefully now that I have made my debut I can make many more appearances for the club.

"Everton were keen for me to join them after they played our Club NI side two years ago and they have been very good with me. The coaching over there is different class. I can't wait to go over there and push on. It was an opportunity that I could not turn down and we'll see what develops."

Warnock will join on a two-year Academy scholarship and link up with Kevin Sheedy’s Under-18 side for next season, with a chance to make an immediate impression on the side.