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Ryan Ledson is having a few language problems whilst on tour with England U17s in Malta.
They can’t understand Scouse.
Ryan Ledson of Everton in action during the Barclays Premier League Under 21 fixture between Everton and Liverpool at Haig Avenue on April 14, 2014 in Southport, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He wrote on his blog on Everton’s website: “There was a press conference on Tuesday with UEFA, Maltese TV channels and a few other broadcasters.
“I find it quite natural – it’s just answering questions about football really, but I don’t think some of the people can understand my accent though!
“I have to start trying to speak a bit slower but I can’t help it sometimes.
“We’re feeling confident ahead of the final, despite losing to Holland in our last group game.
“We know what they’re about now. They didn’t make as many changes as we did for that match, so we know their team and what they’re going to play like.
“They’re a good attacking side, but defensively we feel like we can get at them.”
107 and out
James McCarthy, you can now take a breather.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Saturday, April 26, 2014: Everton’s James McCarthy is brought down by Southampton’s Dejan Lovren during the Premiership match at St Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After 107 games in just two seasons, the tireless midfielder has finally been handed a break after the Republic of Ireland left him out of the squad for their upcoming friendlies.
Everton had hoped Martin O’Neill would allow the former Wigan man a break and their wishes have been granted.
Click here to read more.
Do you remember the Lee Carsley transfer saga, when the midfielder was upset at not being given a birthday cake or card by Bill Kenwright or the Everton board?
No, me neither.
Can’t remember ever getting a card or a happy birthday off any clubs, you wouldn’t expect one…
— Lee Carsley (@lecarso) May 21, 2014
The morning papers now and The Telegraph reports that Roberto Martinez says that Everton will not listen to offers for Ross Barkley.
He says: “Ross is a phenomenal talent and our duty is to protect him.”
The Guardian also reports that Martinez says there is no time-frame on Barkley’s Everton career.
He said: “There is no time limit like that. There is a feeling this year that he has been something special but we all know we can do things better.”
The Daily Star‘s headline reads: “I won’t sell Ross for all the money in the world,” as Martinez warns Europe’s top clubs to stay away from Barkley.
The Daily Mirror also reports that Barkley will stay at Everton for at least the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express reports that Barkley is being used as an example to inspire England’s Under-17s after manager John Peacock told them to use the Everton man as an example.
Here’s today’s Liverpool Echo back page.
Liverpool Echo back page May 21 2014
Our top story today and Seamus Coleman has praised James McCarthy – saying his team-mate does the dirty work, allowing him to get forward.
Everton’s James McCarthy (left) celebrates with Seamus Coleman after scoring his side’s first goal during the Barclays Premier League match at KC Stadium, Hull – Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire
The Irishman said: “Without him I probably wouldn’t have been doing as many forward runs in games as I have done because I can trust him to cover for me. He has been brilliant doing that all season.”
Click here to read Greg O’Keeffe’s full story.
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