John Paul Kissock
Any precociously talented youngster in the Everton youth set-up is inevitably going to be compared with Wayne Rooney. Particularly if, like John Paul Kissock, he replaces Rooney as the youngest player ever to debut for Everton reserves.
Kissock has been part of the Everton Academy since the age of seven when he was spotted in a local junior team. He’s since worked his way through the youth system, the under 18s, and into the reserve team. And in December 2006, he signed a professional contract that will keep him at the club until 2009. It was a perfect way to celebrate his 17th birthday.
An attacking midfielder, Kissock is one of those rare players that is genuinely two-footed. He has quick feet and great close control, while his passing and work rate are outstanding.
His performances for the Everton youth system soon brought him to the attention of national youth coaches and he got his first England U16 call-up to play Scotland in Nov 2004. He was still only 14.
In 2005, he played in all three England U16 games in the 2005 Montagu Tournament held in France, and was also voted Liverpool Young Sports Personality of the Year.
In September 2006, Kissock was selected to play for England U18 against France, capping an excellent year at the Everton Academy where he had been a regular at both U18 and reserve team level.
John Paul was included in Everton’s first team squad for their UEFA Cup campaign in January and February of 2008. The following month, he was loaned to Gretna in the Scottish Premier League, where he made a big impression against powerhouse teams including Glasgow Rangers.
A regular substitute for David Moyes over achieving Everton team during the first half of the 2008/09 season. In January 2009, Kissok elected to further develop his experience by going on loan to Accrington Stanley.
For enquiries contact Octagon
Personal achievements
Date of birth: 2 December 1989
Place of birth: Liverpool
Height: 1.67m
Weight: 68kg
Honours and achievements
2009: Loaned to Accrington Stanley
2008: Selected in Everton first team squad for UEFA Cup and twelve premier league games; loaned to Gretna
2006: Signed professional contract with Everton until 2009
2006: Signed professional contract with Everton until 2009
2006: Made debut for England U18
2004: Made debut for England U16
2004: Everton’s most valuable player in Nike Cup