Moran: I was shocked to get my chance at Everton

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Midfielder wasn't expecting to be called upon by his head coach.

Charlie Hanson

2023-01-05T12:00:00Z

The midfielder has four goals and five assists in nine Premier League 2 matches this season.

Roberto De Zerbi probably wasn’t expecting to hear ‘are you sure you want me?’ when he prepared to hand one of his young players their Premier League debut.

But that was the response of Andrew Moran, who couldn’t quite believe that he was being called upon when his head coach asked him to get ready to make his Premier League bow against Everton on Tuesday.

“You look at some of the players on our bench so when he called me and Adam Lallana up it was unreal, an unbelievable feeling,” Moran said after the 4-1 victory at Goodison Park. “The head coach called me over and my first thought was, 'Are you sure you want me?’

**“**I don't think it's really sunk in, I was buzzing after I got the shout to come on. Usually you find out the day before if you are going to play and I have been in a few [Premier League matchday] squads now but I didn't really expect it. It's what I've been dreaming of since I was a kid.

“As soon as the final whistle went I thought I want more - to have more touches and to get on the ball, but I am delighted.”

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international believes he is thriving under De Zerbi.

Andrew Moran made his Premier League debut in Tuesday's 4-1 win at Goodison Park.

“You learn so much every day. He is so passionate about football, he has his way of playing and we know if we follow his approach it will bring us success.

“He sees the little details as well, such as when you're in or out of possession, where you should be and why you should always give someone an angle to the person on the ball. You say to yourself, 'why didn't I think of that before?'

“Learning from him and then trying to bring his advice into your game every day in training is so helpful.”