Merseyside police is investigating an alleged fight between two Everton academy players that left one in with hospital a neck injury.

Ciaran O’Loughlin, the Everton Under-18s goalkeeper, was taken to hospital following an incident at the club’s Finch Farm training complex on Monday.

Police have confirmed the 17-year-old suffered a neck injury during a dispute with an 18-year-old, understood to be another Everton player, and that an investigation into an alleged assault is under way.

A police spokesman said: “A 17-year-old male received injuries to his neck during an argument with an 18-year-old male. He was taken to hospital where he is being treated. The investigation is ongoing.”

The Birkenhead-born O’Loughlin joined Everton’s academy at the age of eight and is rated by coaches at Finch Farm. A spokesperson for Everton said: “The matter is being investigated internally and the club will make no further comment.”