Everton manager Roberto Martinez was impressed by the handful of youngsters who played in Thursday night's Europa League loss to Kuban Krasnodar.
The Toffees were beaten 1-0 by the Russians at Goodison Park to mark their only defeat in Group H but there were plenty of positives in the way of exciting showings from some up and coming talent.
The inexperienced Luke Garbutt, Tyias Browning, Ryan Ledson (making his debut) and Conor McAleny all started for Martinez who continues to develop his younger players in order to bolster the future of the club.
"I thought the youngsters were cagey in the first half but they expressed themselves in the second. That was very pleasing to see," he told Sky Sports.
"Developing our youngsters is part of what we want to achieve. They will have learned a lot and I'm very proud of the work we do.
"I have a clear idea now of which youngsters are ready to help the first team and which ones can help with more development."
Everton finished on top of their group with 11 points from six matches which came courtesy of three wins and two draws prior to Thursday night's defeat.
