New academy striker Ciaran Loney has been hailed a “superstar” following his move to Everton.
The 16-year-old joined the Blues this week, moving south from Partick Thistle just months after becoming the youngest player to represent the Scottish club’s senior team. The youngster said there was “not enough excitement” when talking about the move, which will see him initially link up with Leighton Baines’ Under-18s at Finch Farm.
The Partick board wished the youngster well as they praised his leadership skills – and how Everton have handled their approach to the star.
Loney made his first appearance in May, coming on from the Tannadice bench in Partick’s defeat to Dundee United. His first experience of first-team football came just weeks after he joined the senior team when he turned 16 in March.
In his farewell interview at Firhill, he spoke of his gratitude to the club he joined as a nine-year-old and the influence of leading figures on his development. He was looking forward to his move to Merseyside and described his excitement by saying: “[It’ll be] pre-season first and then [I’ll] start the season and hopefully score a few goals.”
On his departure, Partick’s Academy Director Craig Dargo said: “We are all extremely proud of Ceiran as both a footballer and a young man as he begins the next chapter of his journey at the Everton Academy, which is a truly excellent place for him to continue. His development has to thank the football to Everton Club and Everton Academy for their professionalism and respect shown while working with the Football Club, the Academy, Ceiran and his family.
“During his seven years at Partick Thistle’s youth academy, Ceiran was a superstar, not only for his ability on the pitch, but also for his natural leadership qualities, dedication to training and learning and the way he always supported his team-mates.
He is a shining example of which can be achieved at Partick Thistle’s youth academy and will always be warmly welcomed at both club and academy.Ceiran is starting his pre-season at Everton and he does so with our full support and best wishes.I wish Ceiran and his family the best of luck and look forward to, to see and hear what he will achieve in the next phase of his development.”