Everton fans have been desperate to see Jake O’Brien enjoy more minutes after joining in the summer, and Sean Dyche has now offered a slight bit of hope.
Jarrad Branthwaite is back from injury after missing the Ipswich Town clash last time out, which gives Sean Dyche a slight selection headache at Everton.
James Tarkowski and Michael Keane started together at Portman Road last time out and kept a clean sheet, which makes it even more difficult.
However, Tarkowski is suffering from a secret injury that he’s had all season, so perhaps Dyche will look to give him some rest.
Jake O’Brien is the other option but he’s been overlooked so far this season, appearing for just 26 minutes in the Premier League.
However, a comment from Sean Dyche has offered a more positive outlook on O’Brien’s situation at Everton.
Sean Dyche offers Jake O’Brien some hope
Sean Dyche spoke recently about O’Brien’s situation, stating that his time will come, and now he’s provided a new comment.
Now, speaking ahead of the Fulham clash, the Everton boss spoke about the situation involving his four centre-backs.
“Four good centre-backs all fighting for the shirt. That will look after itself.”
The fact that he’s involving him in the same sentence as the other three is progress, as he’s been very stand-offish about him previously.
James Tarkowski thinks Everton have a special player
James Tarkowski has been very vocal in his support of O’Brien since he joined in the summer.
He believes that the young defender has everything it takes to become a top player.
“Jake has come in, new to this environment and new to the manager’s way of working. So it takes a bit of time to adjust to that but you can see he’s got every tool he needs to be a top, top player.”
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
