Leighton Baines thinks Everton FC young stars are ready for Benfica test

ANOTHER school of Everton young guns could be set to take a significant step forward in their footballing education tonight.But Leighton Baines, hardly an old hand himself at the age of 24, has a defiant message if the Blues have to turn to some of their less seasoned European travellers in the Stadium of Light this evening: "The kids are alright."With Everton's casualty list reaching crisis proportions - 10 senior players have been ruled out of the Europea League visit to Benfica - manager David Moyes has only 12 senior stars left to choose from.And that means youngsters like Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Kieran Agard, James Wallace and Jose Baxter could get the opportunity for an unexpected run-out in one of the cathedrals of European football."The younger lads were introduced last season at times when we were down to the bare bones and were brought into the set up perhaps a little earlier than they otherwise would have been, but that's worked out great for them and they did fantastic for us," said Baines. "It helped them mature quickly and they became important players and important members of our squad."We faced similar problems last year when we had to play a lot of big games without some key players. We got a lot of success last year so it's not something we can't handle."It speaks volumes for the character of the players here. We do muck in and help each other do each other's jobs. You don't want to take away from the quality that we have here as well, because we have a lot of good players."One of those players, Jack Rodwell, could find himself facing a new role this evening.With Sylvain Distin the only recognised available centre-half, David Moyes could ask Tony Hibbert to reprise the emergency role he did so well in Belarus recently, or ask young midfielder Rodwell to drop back."Tony could do it again, while Jack Rodwell could also play there so I have one or two alternatives I can look into," added Moyes.Jack Rodwell became Everton's youngest European debut in Alkmaar two years ago at the tender age of 16,and Baines added: "Jack doesn't surprise us - on or off the pitch. "He's a level headed lad with a lot of ability and I'm sure playing in the European competitions is going to stand him in great stead for future games because he's a top player."He deserves to play at this level."

Source: Liverpool_Echo