Harrison Armstrong makes Everton future admission as he details David Moyes tactical talks

Harrison Armstrong insists he’s keeping an open mind on whether he stays at Everton this season or goes out on loan again as he outlined the tactical instructions he’s been receiving from David Moyes.

Central midfield looks like one of the most well-stocked areas of the Blues squad but with reigning Player of the Season James Garner only just returning from groin surgery and summer signing Christian Norgaard still injured, Armstrong is staking an early claim.

The 19-year-old Scouser produced an impressive display in Everton’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, setting up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for the club’s first goal of the season.

And Armstrong said: “I think it was important after a good pre-season that we started well. Obviously, the result is a massive thing in such an elite league, so it was a really good start.

“For someone my age to be able to play 90 minutes in the Premier League, it’s a massive opportunity to learn. I’m just hoping I can do that as much as possible this season.

“Everyone played their part. Some lads might have to play different positions that they’re not used to, but I think we showed that we’re diverse and can overcome challenges.”

The Blues’ homegrown hero was deployed in the engine room alongside Championship Player of the Season Hayden Hackney who arrived from Middlesbrough for £16.5million last month.

Explaining how Moyes had told him to operate, Armstrong said: “He calls it the hybrid role. I think he wants me to see what the game needs.

“He’s given me the licence to push on at times but also understand when I need to be deeper, maybe alongside Hayden and help with the build-up. I think it’s more of a free role and he wants me to express myself.”

Armstrong recognises that he could have a battle on his hands for minutes when Garner and Norgaard are both up to speed. But in the meantime, he appreciates the words of team-mate Dewsbury-Hall, who, after the victory over the Eagles, declared: “He plays well beyond his years and he has that Everton spirit, which I love, and he has an engine on him, he runs all day. If he keeps playing like that it will be hard to take it out of the team.”

Armstrong said: “Kiernan is someone I can look up to and with Jimmy and Christian coming back, they’re two people with lots of experience who I can learn on but it’s always nice to have encouraging words like that.

“I think I know the quality I possess. It’s down to me when I get my opportunities to take them and make the most of them. If I do that then I can’t see why I can’t stay in the team but I’m obviously aware of the quality that the other players possess. It’s a team sport and we push each other in training every day, making sure we get the best out of each other.”

Armstrong admits he doesn’t know whether he’ll be loaned out again this season but is happy to take the path of what is best for improving his all-round game.

He said: “I do want to be playing at the elite level but at the same time, whatever is best for my development is the approach that needs to be taken. Whether that is a loan or staying, I’m happy to do either and make the best of whatever it is.”

Asked if there have been conversations about that, he replied: “Not so much right now, not that I’m aware of. I’m just focusing on my football.

“I’ve played a big part in pre-season and my focus was trying to be in the starting 11 for the Crystal Palace game.”

This time last year, Armstrong signed off with a brace of assists in the 2-0 win over Mansfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup before joining Preston North End on a season-long loan.

In the end, he only stayed for half the campaign and was brought back to Hill Dickinson Stadium on New Year’s Day due to a selection crisis. However, the draw at the equivalent stage of this season’s competition sees him returning the face Preston on Wednesday.

Reflecting on the reunion, Armstrong said: “I was happy [when the draw was made]. It will be good to get back to Deepdale and see some familiar faces. My loan there was very important. It happened at a crucial time, and I was fortunate to join such a great club.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the people at the club, the players and the staff, they all looked after me really well.

“It’s important to try and go on a cup run and I think it’s an opportunity to maybe get players who aren’t playing as many minutes fit and in the grove of playing. It’s always nice for the fans as well to go far.

“It sounds cliched but we want to win every game and that transfers into the cup. We want to do our best and beat whoever is in front of us.”

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