PREMIER League football beckons for one young Warrington player after committing his future to Everton.

Matthew Pennington penned a three-year deal at Goodison Park this summer, nearly a decade after he joined the club as an 11-year-old.

The former Warrington Schoolboys’ defender says growing up at Everton was the perfect platform to a potential future in the top flight.

“It was a very proud moment for me and my family,” said Pennington, who also played as a junior for Matthiola, about his new contract.

“I’ve been working hard for the past couple of years and have had a couple of stints away from the club on loan, so for it to be recognised that I’ve done well, and for the club to put some faith in me, was brilliant.

“Hopefully now I can push on towards the first team and show what I can do there.

“My ambition is to get that far, but whether that’s through going out on loan or getting a chance this season, I don’t know.”

It has coincided with the 20-year-old getting a first taste of senior football as a substitute in Everton’s 2-0 win over Dundee in a pre-season friendly.

He was then handed a starting place as a youthful side lost 2-0 to Leeds United last Saturday.

“It was a great experience for me to go with them,” explained Sankey-based Pennington. “It was the first time I was away with the first team so to get a chance to go on the pitch in the blue strip was brilliant.

“The players have been great with me. They give you a bit of advice before you go out and play and that’s what you need as a young player.”

Plenty of Finch Farm academy graduates featured in that pre-season outing, and Pennington says Toffees manager Roberto Martinez instils confidence in young players they will get a chance at Everton.

But he believes the stability, and values, of the club are also key.

“He’s been brilliant with me,” added the former St Gregory's student. “It’s great to have a manager who is willing to put young players into the team.

“It gives us motivation to work harder knowing we'll get a chance if we're good enough.

“I’ve been at Everton nearly 10 years – the club has its values of bringing young players through and playing good football. It’s a club that’s stable and doesn’t chop and change.

“I wouldn’t say that’s changed too much over time. We’ve gone from (David) Moyes to Martinez but there have not been massive changes.

“Hopefully there are more chances to come. Everton seems to be the ideal place to be for a young player, you are going to get chances if you’re playing well.

“If you’re not ready for the first team they’ll give you a chance to go on loan to express yourself and keep improving so you’re ready to play for the first team.”

Pennington took his chance on loan at Coventry City last season, playing 25 times for the League One outfit and being named their Young Player of the Year.

And the defender, who also previously spent time on loan at Tranmere Rovers, says the Toffees staff go to great lengths to provide youngsters with the perfect loan platform.

“I really enjoyed my time at Coventry, it was a chance to get some more games under my belt,” said Pennington.

“I played 25 games so as a young player it was a great experience and I think it has improved me as a player – I’ve come back to Everton a bit more mature and more ready to play games.

“David Unsworth, the under 21s manager, and Joe Royle work together to help the young players get loans.

“They assess the clubs and how they play, what position they will take you in and the set-up at the club.

“Before you go there you know that club will have the right set-up for you and will give you a good base to express yourself on the pitch.”