Former Everton striker Jermaine Beckford told GOAL that Hayden Hackney could become more of a regular at Everton after 10, 12 or 15 games as the midfielder adapts to Premier League life. Hackney completed a £24 million move to Everton after becoming the reigning Championship Player of the Season.
Beckford on Hackney's adaptation
Beckford said: "Yes and no. Yes, because of what he's been able to achieve last season. The trajectory that he's on is a phenomenal one. He's got so much talent and a huge future ahead of him as long as he stays fit and keeps on learning and keeps on growing."
Beckford said: "But secondly, no, it doesn't surprise me that much because the step up from League One to the Championship to the Premier League is massive. At a club like Everton as well, where there's a specific DNA, you've got to learn and understand what that is first and foremost before you'll be able to just get thrown in the deep end."
What Beckford said about Moyes
Beckford said: "Having worked with the gaffer before, David Moyes, he wants to make sure that you understand the plan first. Whether you're going to play one game, five games or all of the games, he wants you to understand that first and foremost you graft harder than anybody else. You do what we tell you, stay disciplined and then you get the freedom to do what you want to do."
Beckford said: "It wouldn't surprise me if after 10, 12, 15 games we start seeing far more of him and then he starts to become a bit more of a regular. But it's all about understanding the roles and understanding the expectations first."
Hackney's season so far
Hackney's only Premier League start for Everton came against Crystal Palace on August 22. He has made six substitute appearances in the Premier League since then.
He scored his first Everton goal in a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Newcastle, a result that sent Everton into the quarter-finals of the competition.
Everton's position before Newcastle game
Everton face Newcastle at St James' Park in the Premier League on Monday. They go into that game 14th in the table, having taken one point from their last three top-flight fixtures.
GOAL said Everton would rise as high as seventh with a win over Newcastle.
