Duffy's on the spot again

The promising Northern Ireland International scored for the Everton Under-18s in a 3-0 victory over Preston North End.

Duffy has played well enough to catch David Moyes' eye this season and has made his debut for the first team, rubbing shoulders with millionaire team-mates like former Manchester United star Phil Neville, and Australian hero Tim Cahill.

With Everton hit by injuries, Duffy has already made his debut for Everton in European competition, playing against AEK Athens and Bate Borisov.

Last night, the towering centre half was on the mark as Everton Under-18s reached the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2002 with their resounding victory over Preston North End.

The Everton youths were one-nil up when Hallam Hope was pulled down in the box by the Preston defence before he could find time to shoot. The referee pointed to the penalty spot.

The Everton FC website said: "Duffy was the man to step up - as he had in the last round against Brighton - striking straight down the middle of the goal to put the visitors two-up with just over 20 minutes to go."

The Premier League prospect from Londonderry plays centre-half.

The perennial top-six challengers have high hopes for the eighteen year old who has impressed so much that he is being offered a new deal.

The Everton FC website describes the player as: "Strong in the tackle and dependable in the air, Shane is considered a ball-playing defender.

"He was named as a sub for the opening games of the 2009/10 campaign and remained a regular for Northern Ireland Under-21s.

"Shane was soon thrust into first team action, making his debut as a replacement for Sylvain Distin during a 1-0 win against AEK Athens in Greece.

"He then made his full home debut in December's 1-0 defeat to BATE Borisov."

Everton FC are entering a crucial period of their season, with hopes high in Londonderry that Duffy can retain a place on the bench.

The Merseyside derby, a huge game in Liverpool that packs out pubs almost brings the football-mad city to a standstill, takes place this weekend with passions running high as players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres clashing with the likes of Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini.

Then come Chelsea, captained by the under-fire John Terry who today learned from Fabio Capello that he had lost the England captain's armband.

Next up is Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Tuesday week, the club which produced arguably the world's best player last season, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now with Real Madrid.

Then there is the small matter of playing Manchester United and their galaxy of stars including former Goodison Wayne Rooney at home.

The return leg against Sporting Lisbon and an away game against fellow European hopefuls Tottenham will bring a hectic Everton schedule to an end for February.