ROSS BARKLEY made his injury comeback for Everton’s U-18s at Finch Farm on Saturday, but was unable to prevent the Blues crashing to a 5-4 defeat by Blackburn Rovers.
A Barkley-inspired side raced into a 4-0 lead in the first half courtesy of two goals each from Hallam Hope and Anton Forrester, but individual errors allowed Rovers back into the game in the second period, and that was compounded when a further lapse of concentration handed Blackburn victory.
Coach Kevin Sheedy was disappointed with the nature of the defeat, which came after the Blues also exited the FA Youth Cup at the hands of QPR.
“The first half was as good as we have played all season,” says Sheedy, of a game played in difficult, wind-swept conditions.
“We scored four excellent goals which typified all the hard work we’ve been doing with our forwards about taking their chances, using clever movement and getting in the right positions.
“But then we proceeded to throw it all away in the second half.
“Key players had a nightmare and conceded five.
“It was a game we definitely could have won, but taking positives we’ve performed well in the last three games, however not quite managed to get the result we want.”
Sheedy said Barkley, who had been out with a knee problem, came through 60 minutes of the game unscathed, and also took part in a practice game on Tuesday night.
“It was good to see him playing again and involved,” he says. “Ross has missed a few weeks and we hope he will kick on along the road to recovery and full match fitness now.”
The Blues must now prepare for their next fixture – a trip to take on Manchester United at their Carrington training ground on Saturday afternoon.
