Everton striker Fraser Hornby living up to ‘Big Dunc’ comparison

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Yesterday saw Scotland’s youngsters held to a draw in their first game of this summer’s Toulon Youth Festival. It was a disappointing result against African side Togo, considering Scotland’s third-place finish in the competition last summer. The 1-1 draw should, however, be of particular interest to fans of Everton.

The man who scored the equalising goal for Scotland is one of many promising youth players coming through the ranks at Finch Farm.

Fraser Hornby found the back of the net, to ensure that former Everton player Scott Gemmill’s side did not suffer an opening game defeat. The way he scored certainly helped continue comparisons he has received with Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.

Hornby got clear of his marker and nodded home a powerful but accurate header beyond the helpless Togo goalkeeper. It was a brilliant header that Big Dunc himself would have been extremely proud of.

It was also a sign of just what Hornby can do and will have Everton fans excited about his future.

Hornby made his debut for the club earlier this season in the Europa League clash with Apollon Limassol and has certainly reinvented himself this season, Previously a central midfielder he has now carved out a niche as an old-fashioned centre-forward. Excellent in the air and incredibly strong, his midfield past also gives him a tremendous work ethic up front. There is no doubt where the Big Dunc comparisons come from. Being Scottish and playing a near identical game certainly help.

Hornby is something of a throwback, but new director of football Marcel Brands would be right to take notice of his performances in Toulon and decide what to do with him next season.

It might be too soon for him to be a regular in the Everton first-team. But a loan spell in the Championship or a starring role in the under-23s could give Hornby the opportunity to shine his talents are starting to deserve.