Blacon teenager Kyle John says that signing his first professional contract with Everton is the realisation of a dream.

After joining the Toffees academy as a six-year old, John has advanced through the youth ranks and has now penned a deal that will tie him to the club until June, 2021.

John,18, is now committed to proving himself worthy of his new deal and ultimately hopes to force himself into contention for a first team call-up.

He said: "It's unbelievable really and a massive moment in my career.

"It's something I've wanted since I was four years old and that I've worked so hard for over the years.

"Everton have a brilliant youth set-up and being a part of that and playing under the coaches there have developed me in so many ways.

"When I first came in as a young lad I was playing as a right winger, before the coaches tested me in a few different positions.

"I was playing in central midfield for a good few years and only moved to right back at the start of this season.

"It feels like a good fit for me and I've really tried to kick-on since then and improve my game in every way."

A series of eye-catching performances at youth level saw John called up for Everton's under-23 side, who are currently setting the pace in Premier League Two.

U23s coach David Unsworth has hailed John's swift progress, highlighting the starlet's ability and physicality and labelling him 'a class act'.

John says that such glowing praise has boosted his hopes of one day playing Premier League football and the chance to emulate the likes of fellow academy graduate JonJoe Kenny.

"Hearing that kind of praise from coaches is huge for me. It gives me so much confidence and makes me want to go out on the pitch and prove their point for them.

"You look around at other lads who've made the step-up in the past and that just spurs you on even more.

"JonJoe is someone I really look up to. He's a model pro and has shown that if you want to break into that first team and you're committed to it, it can happen.

"You've got to aim big and one day I'd love to follow in his footsteps.

"That's in the future though, because for now I'm focused on being the best I can possibly be to try to cement my place with the U23s.

"We're four points clear right now and have only conceded eight times this season. That's a record we're proud of and want to protect in every game we play."