Everton youngster Braiden Graham was included in Northern Ireland’s squad to face France on Monday evening.
A breakthrough season on Merseyside has put Graham on the radar of David Moyes with the first team at Finch Farm.
Although the 18-year-old has not been handed his opportunity at Everton just yet, that has not stopped Michael O’Neill from calling him up to the Northern Ireland side.
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After also making the squad to face Guinea last week, Graham was cruelly denied his debut against France in frustrating fashion on Monday.
Everton’s Braiden Graham harshly denied Northern Ireland debut
Ahead of the summer window, Graham is receiving interest from EFL clubs, who would be willing to take him on loan for the season.
An opportunity to showcase his talent in men’s football could take his game to the next level.
On Monday evening, he was almost provided that chance against France, but O’Neill was unable to bring Graham on despite readying the youngster.
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As Graham stood on the sideline waiting to make his senior debut for Northern Ireland, the ball never went out of play for O’Neill to make the substitution.
A cruel way for Graham to end what has been a sensational season, with Northern Ireland now wrapping up their friendlies for the 2025/26 term.
Departing on loan for next season could have become more likely for Graham after Everton parted ways with U21s manager Paul Tait recently.
The significant change at youth level could be the push Graham needs to test himself away from Merseyside in the same way in which Harrison Armstrong has done in recent years.
Having scored over 20 goals for Everton this season, the young forward will not be short of offers when the window opens in the coming days.
However, having been intended to come on against France, it begs the question whether Moyes could have handed him an opportunity for Everton at some point in the season.
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