Harrison Armstrong has backed himself in the battle for an Everton midfield spot.
Armstrong completed the full 90 minutes for David Moyes’ side as they racked up a first opening day Premier League win in five years at home to Crystal Palace.
The West Derby-born academy graduate was handed a starting berth with James Garner working his way back to fitness and Christian Norgaard currently sidelined.
But despite the increased competition in the Blues’ engine room, with Hayden Hackney and Merlin Rohl also in the mix, Armstrong is confident in his abilities.
He said: “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.
“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 partnered summer signing Hackney in a double pivot against the Eagles and the midfielder outlined what Moyes has instructed him to do in a first-team role.
“He calls it the hybrid role. I think he wants me to see what the game needs,” added the 19-year-old.
“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.”
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup second round meeting with Preston will see Armstrong returning to the club where he thrived during a six-month loan spell last season.
He added: “I was happy [when the draw was made]. It’ll be good to get back to Deepdale and see some familiar faces.
“[The loan] 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.”