EVERTON’S U18s have triumphed in a prestigious European tournament.

Kevin Sheedy’s side lifted the Gothia Cup over the weekend, after defeating Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna 3-0.

The young Blues were undefeated throughout the youth competition, and saw off Gothenburg and Elfsberg on their way to the final.

Goals were in plentiful supply for the Toffees, with Harry Charsley and Courtney Duffus in fine form and continuing their purple patches in the final.

But it was midfielder Ryan Ledso, who scooped the Player of the Tournament honour to cap a successful few days.

“We have played some good teams and came through a very tough group,” said Sheedy.

“We got better as the tournament went on so overall we are very pleased with the efforts of the players.

“It was a tough schedule with six games in six days but the players have come through it with flying colours. They thoroughly deserved the victory.

“The final itself was quite comfortable, as the scoreline suggests.

“We scored early on – a good move by Callum Dyson set up Courtney for a tap-in after about 10 minutes.

“We then had a definite penalty not given and they rallied.

“But we kept playing and just after half time we got our second goal which was a real killer for them.

“We managed to go on and get the third and it ended up being a comfortable victory that, as I say, was well deserved.

“It is a really prestigious tournament and it’s the first time we have been in there.

“It’s a massive competition with all the age groups that are out here. So we are really proud to have won the competition over some really top teams. The players have handled themselves really well and really represented Everton.

“There were a lot of people watching and they have been really impressed with the way we have played and the style of football, so hopefully we have managed to gain a few more Everton fans.”