U21s play in Southport tomorrow

Thinking about heading over to have a look at Barkley before he hits 30.

ps: Jack Rodwell has come on for the last 30 mins as Man City are leading 3 - 0.

And he just missed an almost point-blank header, hitting the bar!

Lundstrum's long passing, in particular, was first class. Strikes the ball well with both feet and his vision to spread the play was very impressive. Took his goal well in the first half too. Decent low, hard strike from inside the box.

Junior is a very gifted lad. He is ridiculously agile and some of his footwork was a joy to watch. He picked up a yellow card in the first half and could quite easily have had another. He seemed to have absolutely no concept of 'taking it easy'. But fair play, he was aggressive, tenacious and full of quality for 90 minutes.

Vellios was taken off and replaced by Courtney Duffus (pronounced Doo-fuss, much to the delight of a young lad sat in front of me). Vellios was poor, but didn't recieve a cross all day. Duffus was similar. Ran a lot but not much else.

The game's real moment of quality resulted in Barkley's goal. Junior won the ball with some great skill on the halfway line and released Barkley down the left channel. He drove into the box and side footed past the keeper from a tight angle. He was given too much space but he certainly made the most of it.

I'm trying to restrain myself from heaping praise on his shoulders, like so many before, but Barkley was head and shoulders above everyone else - and I say that while also being very impressed with Junior and Lundstrum.

His technical ability and dribbling were literally bringing a smile to my face. He danced round players like they weren't there and his body strength was too much for the opposition to handle. On a couple of occasions he isolated a man on the wing and absolutely blitzed him for pace. He's not a winger...but of have him there over Naismith. Great performance.

My only slight disappointment was McAleny. He's one of the most natural young finishers I've seen at Everton in years and yet he's stuck out on the left wing. It's a real waste because he's got a lot about him.

Really enjoyable match anyway. It's free to get in for season ticket holders with was a bonus. We have some exceptional young talent at the club...I hope we see some of it make the first team.

How was Stones at full back, and Duffy ?

Stones was good. Still looks a very young lad but very comfortable on the ball and likes a tackle. I think he'll end up being a CB when he fills out a bit.