Everton top prospect's debt to Reds chief Paul Heckingbottom

The 20-year-old is tipped to go on and make a big impression at Everton and earn England honours.

Holgate followed the path of another Barnsley academy product in John Stones in moving from Oakwell to Goodison Park, with many pundits tipping the Doncaster-born player to emulate his club-mate.

Holgate - capped at England Under-21 and Under-20 level - is one of several young players forging a reputation at Everton, alongside the likes of Ademola Lookman, ex-Sheffield United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies.

The defender, who has made 12 appearances for the Blues this term, including seven starts, remains grateful for his time at Barnsley for providing him with the perfect springboard in terms of his career development - and believes that they are in good hands under Heckingbottom.

Holgate still speaks to Heckingbottom on a regular basis, with the young Yorkshireman also indebted to ex-Reds chief Danny Wilson for handing him his first chance at first-team level during his second stint at the club.

Holgate, who moved to Everton for around £2m in August, 2015, having only made his debut in the previous December, said: “They are still the first score I look out for. The start they had to the season was unbelievable.

“Barnsley lost a couple of players in January but it doesn’t seem to have affected them. They are still doing just as well. They still seem to have a good team spirit, especially with Paul Heckingbottom as manager.

“I have worked with Hecky since Under-16s level. It seemed that whenever I went up an age, he did as well. He was a coach in the first team when I was there and I would say he has had the biggest impact on my career. I still phone and speak to him now. He watches my games, still gives me advice and tells me what I should be doing.

“When I was at Barnsley, Hecky and I used to do a lot of one-on-one work to improve my all-round game. We would watch clips together and stay behind to do extra work, all geared towards helping me get to the next level. I thank him for that, and Danny Wilson, who gave me my first-team debut.

“In lower divisions, it is hard to find a manager that will play young people. He gave me a chance and I took it. He did not have to keep playing me because when I got my opportunity it was only through injuries and suspensions.

“Once I did well, he kept me in. I was only 17 at that time so for him to keep faith was encouraging.”