THE now traditional final pre-season friendly at Goodison is usually a chance for most Evertonians to get a first glimpse of any summer signings.

But with the club’s ongoing financial restraints preventing David Moyes from thus far adding to his roster during the transfer window, the new faces will come in the form of the clutch of youngsters that have emerged during recent months.

Ross Barkley, Apostolos Vellios, Conor McAleny and Magaye Gueye will provide the unknown factor when Spanish side Villarreal visit Goodison this evening.

Gueye was given a few outings last season and has already scored three goals in pre-season, Vellios has previously made a breakthrough and Conor McAleny was enjoying senior action for the first time.

Supporters, though, have been most encouraged by the sight of midfielder Ross Barkley demonstrating his wares alongside his first-team colleagues.

Barkley had been tipped by Moyes to emerge last season only for that opportunity to be dashed in the opening months by a triple leg fracture while on England under-17 duty in Belgium.

The 17-year-old is now making up for lost time. Having impressed on his debut during the recent tour of the United States, Barkley enjoyed a second-half cameo at Birmingham City before further staking his claim with a start in the 1-0 defeat at Werder Bremen on Tuesday.

Barkley will surely further his fledgling football education this evening given the high standard of the opposition.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta believes Villarreal are behind only Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid in terms of entertainment in his home country.