‘He’ll be a star’… Everton fans call for one player to get more game time, he was ‘the only positive’ vs Blackburn

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Everton fell to a 1-0 defeat in Saturday’s pre-season encounter away at Blackburn Rovers.

The Toffees, who played out a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, were in action again in Lancashire.

Blackburn opened the scoring after just eight minutes as Dion De Neve slotted past new goalkeeper Mark Travers at the back post.

Everton sought to get back into the game but flattered to deceive for the most part, with nothing working in pursuit of an equaliser.

Positives for Everton fans were few and far between on the day, but one player’s display led to supporters calling for him to get an extended run in the team.

Everton fans rave about Harrison Armstrong as he shines again

The player in question was Harrison Armstrong, who replaced Idrissa Gueye in the 58th minute and gave a great account of himself.

Armstrong, who was one of the standouts against Accrington, once again looked good as he delivered some good passes and showed great skill.

“I know it’s only pre-season and it’s all about gaining fitness and game time but we’ve got some work to do and desperately need signings,” one fan wrote. “Preferably someone faster than a slug.

“On the plus side, Harrison Armstrong looks sharp and competent.”

Another said: “Keep Armstrong in the side. Another good run out.”

The praise kept coming, with one fan saying: “Going to need to sign a lot of players before they think about sending Armstrong on loan.”

Another supporter wrote: “Harrison Armstrong will be a star, give it another year and he’ll be way superior to Garner.”

Another said: “Armstrong was our best player.”

And another wrote: “Harrison Armstrong is levels above James Garner.

“He’ll make mistakes and get found out in some games but if this midfield was the one that starts the season, Harrison and Gueye would be my two.”

There was even praise from a Blackburn fan, who wrote: “If we are going to sign some loan players from Premiership clubs I would take Armstrong from Everton in a heartbeat.

“Looks a very good box to box player who likes to get forward.”

READ MORE: Everton less than £9m away from agreement over ‘world-class’ midfield target, he’s ‘on his way out’ of his club

Harrison Armstrong’s hopes for the 2025/26 season

Armstrong has been excellent in Everton’s academy for some time now, and he’s clearly ready to play senior football, week in, week out.

He enjoyed a fruitful six-month loan spell at Derby County earlier this year, making 15 appearances for the Rams and helping them survive in the Championship.

“I think with the loan I’ve grown as a player, so I’m just trying to show different sides to my game and hopefully I can impress,” the youngster told evertontv after the Accrington friendly.

“I’m taking the approach of what’s best to happen will happen. I’m just seeing how it goes really and taking each day as it comes.”

He continued: “I always like to be involved. I think that’s part of my game, being busy.

“Obviously, as time goes on, playing more with players like Tim [Iroegbunam] and Jimmy [Garner], I’ll get used to what they like to do more and maybe I can get in more dangerous positions.

“I think I’ve done well, but there’s plenty to improve on.”