Graham Stuart is urging former Charlton youngster Ademola Lookman to stay patient in his bid to establish himself as a regular starter in the top flight with Everton.

Stuart played for both the Addicks and Toffees during a successful playing career and has been keeping close tabs on Lookman’s progress at Goodison in his role as an official club ambassador for the Toffees.

The talented attacker was signed by Ronald Koeman in early 2017 for a reported £11 million fee but has so far struggled to hold down a regular place at Everton.

Last season even saw the 21-year-old loaned out by then boss Sam Allardyce to German outfit RB Leipzig.

And although current manager Marco Silva has regularly used Lookman as a substitute, first team starts remain few and far between on Merseyside, prompting speculation the highly-rated England U21 star could be on the move sooner rather than later

But Stuart is strongly advising Lookman to stay put.

Good Impact - from first minute

He told News Shopper: “I like Ademola as a player.

"He has come in and given us good impact.

“What Ademola has got to do now is instead of just being an impact player is look to be doing it from minute one.

“That is the transition he still needs to make.

"I know he gets frustrated because we all know what a talented boy he is.

“I certainly like him as a player but he is at a big, big football club with a lot of very good players around him.”

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Stuart added: “He is having to learn a little bit of patience but when he gets the opportunity next season, he has got to take it with both hands.

“He has got the capability to do it.

“Now he has just got to make sure he has the mentality to do it but he is certainly one of our young players who I think can go all the way.”

Stuart understands Lookman’s sense of impatience right now, admitting he can relate to it from his own career.

He explained: “I remember when I was a young boy – you think the world is coming to an end if you don’t play on a regular basis.

“But he has an awful lot of football and a long career ahead of him.

“Ademola is at a brilliant football club and should be delighted he is at a brilliant football club.

“Get your head down and keep working because he definitely has the capability, temperament and ability to play for Everton for a number of years to come.”

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