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Everton are set to name two Academy players on the bench for tomorrow’s game with Southampton.

The Blues are battling with a growing injury list and will be without the suspended James McCarthy for Saints’ visit.

And Roberto Martinez has confirmed that three Academy players will be part of the squad with two then named in the matchday 18.

Kieran Dowell is in the frame for a call-up after a fine season with Everton’s under-21s whilst defenders Mason Holgate and Gethin Jones are in contention.

Midfielder Tom Davies is also in Martinez’s thoughts .

“We had five players working with the first-team this week and all five have been very impressive,” Martinez said.

“Out of those, three will be in the squad tomorrow and probably two will be in the 18.”

Martinez admits the call-ups are more out of necessity, given the first-team’s injury problems, than the idea of wanting to blood the club’s young players.

Everton could be without seven senior pros for tomorrow’s game with Southampton.

Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines and Aaron Lennon all face late fitness tests ahead of the 3pm kick-off while the Blues are definitely without Phil Jagielka.

Tom Cleverley is expected to miss out after being sidelined for the 0-0 draw at Watford last weekend.

“The idea is that there are so many injuries at the moment that there are opportunities there,” Martinez added.

“The way we work is that when an opportunity arises in the first-team, we will always look internally and we will never be afraid to give a young player, that has been working in a similar role with the under-21s and has been progressing individually in order to have that opportunity, that option.

“Clearly, it has arrived and two of those players will have the opportunity tomorrow.”

And Martinez says he will have no hesitation in calling on them.

“No, because the work we’ve been doing over the months now has been really strong with Joe Royle and David Unsworth and we are working with individuals in order to develop them into position where they can help the first-team.

"We feel very strongly that there are seven players who could be in that position now so it’s just making sure they are mentally right and that they get enough opportunities in football.

"You need to have a bit of luck to get an opportunity as a youngster but they are ready, there is no doubt about that,” the Everton manager said.