Everton U21 coach Alan Stubbs is backing former Blues teammates James Beattie for success with Accrington Stanley.

Beatts has taken charge of the League Two outfit this summer.

"Beatts was a laugh a minute guy, very jovial and liked to play a trick on people," Stubbs told evertonfc.com. "But he did have a serious side and I'm thrilled for him [to get the job].

"It's a great opportunity for him to dip his toes in the water in the management side. I'm hoping he can do really well and hopefully we will be able to help him down the line.

"He is quite a clever lad and a bit of a thinker, as well as liking the joking side of football."