Home-town pride as Everton youngster Dan Gosling is flying high
DAN GOSLING is determined to build on his merry Christmas - as his home-town expressed their pride at the teenager breaking into the Everton first team.
The 18-year-old was an impressive performer on his full senior debut for David Moyes's side at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day.
Gosling followed that two days later by scoring his first-ever goal for the club when emerging from the bench to cap a resounding 3-0 triumph against Sunderland.
And the midfielder is hopeful of further opportunities this season to convince Everton manager Moyes of his potential.
"This has been a big step up," said Gosling. "Hopefully, the gaffer knows what I can do now and there will be a few more chances in the future.
"It is hard to get in but once you are in the team, it's even harder to stay there. You have got to keep performing on a regular basis. I know the hard work is going to start now."
Of his Goodison bow on Sunday, Gosling added: "There were no nerves this time. I just really enjoyed it.
"It's been a long time coming and the gaffer has been careful with how he has used me.
"I don't think I was ready to play in the Premier when I first got here, but training with the lads has been a tremendous help.
"It was such a good feeling to get the goal as I had a couple of chances at Middlesbrough and not tucked them away."
Gosling, a ã1.2million arrival from Plymouth Argyle in January, was brought up Brixham, a port on the Devon coastline.
The midfielder represented Brixham Community College, Devon county and the England under-18 squad, and also played for Brixham United before moving to Plymouth, where he signed professional forms at the age of 15.
Brixham club secretary Dean Hopper said: "Dan always had that extra sparkle. He showed great promise from the word go and we're very pleased at his success."
Gosling's mother Hilary said: "He rings me every day and he was absolutely over the moon to get his debut against Middlesbrough.
"He was so excited when he phoned through the news. We are so proud of him."
Brixham volunteer youth coach Barry Orchard was among several to have helped Gosling during the formative years of his career.
And Orchard said: "It couldn't happen to a nicer lad. I know that just a few weeks after he first signed for Everton that he played for the England under-17 team in the world championships.
"One day when he was back in Brixham, he knocked on my door and said he'd got a present. He gave me his England shirt from the match against Brazil.
"Dan used to come over to my house to sleep on a Saturday night with my son, his pal, and he would be glued to the TV if there was soccer on.
"No fidgeting, no getting up for drinks, nothing. When we went to Torquay United matches it was the same. He sat glued to the seat until the final whistle."
Older/Newer
« Mark Lawrenson: Great results for Everton, but board must act | Goodison stars not for sale, insist Everton »
Latest Premier League video
