Graeme Sharp believes Yannick Bolasie’s Everton team mates can seize the opportunity created by the winger’s season-ending knee injury.
Bolasie is unlikely to feature again for the Blues in the current campaign after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage against Manchester United.
Losing the DR Congo international, a £28 million summer signing, comes as a huge loss but Everton legend Sharp has backed others to step up to the plate.
Speaking to Click Liverpool, the former striker tipped Gerard Deulofeu, Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley to stake a claim and fill the void left by Bolasie’s absence.
He said: “Obviously it’s a really serious injury for Yannick and we wish him well.
“But it’s a blow not just for the club but for Yannick himself. When he first joined the club, he wanted to do so well and was really looking forward to it.
“That’s really disappointing but, and it’s a horrible thing to say, it gives somebody else an opportunity now to step in and claim a place whoever that may be.
“Deulofeu’s looking for a start, Mirallas is looking for a start on that left-hand side, Ross Barkley missed out at the weekend so the manager’s got options now.
“As I said, it’s horrible and we wish Yannick all the best and a speedy recovery but it opens the door for somebody else.
“Hopefully that somebody else can come in and stamp their authority on the team and help us get us a few more results.”
Enner Valencia is another who could place himself in contention after impressing with a substitute appearance during the 1-1 draw with United last weekend.
Sharp feels that the on-loan West Ham striker could offer manager Ronald Koeman some food for thought and even a fresh dimension in his tactical set-up.
“Valencia looked lively when he came on up front so that’s something the manager may look to use or look to change the formation but certainly we’ve got enough players of quality,” he added.
“We haven’t seen enough of Enner Valencia because he’s come in and had to get up to the fitness levels required.
“But certainly he showed glimpses at the weekend that he may well have something to offer.”
Graeme Sharp was speaking at the first look of Everton in the Community’s Hub on Spellow Lane.