Whenever a club allows one of their young hopefuls to leave for ventures new, they risk the player going on and becoming a megastar. That has not happened with Toffees academy midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna.
The Liverpool-born prospect left our Under18 ranks last summer to link up with Bolton’s U23 squad, but the move has not paid dividends for the 18-year-old, and now he looks set to be on his way out of their facilities.
West London Sport have reported Queens Park Rangers are currently giving him a trial, but a move from one relegated Championship side to one barely mid-table suggests we made the right call in allowing Duke-McKenna to leave.
Rangers have also invited the wide midfielder up to Ibrox to train, as the Gers continue to monitor a range of young talents who could be available in the summer.
During his time with us, Duke-McKenna had shown glimpses of his potential from time to time, but never displayed enough to warrant a promotion through our ranks, or any signs that a senior graduation would be on the cards anytime soon.
Altogether, the Guyana international made 42 U18 Premier League outings for the Toffees, assisting six goals and scoring once, and is still waiting to make his senior debut.