Irish media left shocked by Jake O’Brien’s performance on Friday night

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Everton defender Jake O’Brien was in action on Friday evening for the Republic of Ireland.

Despite not qualifying for the World Cup, Ireland have featured in some international friendlies of late, with Friday’s game seeing them face Canada.

O’Brien was not the only Everton representative in action as Mark Travers started in goal and Seamus Coleman also played at the right-wing-back position.

That was a disgraceful performance from Everton… something has to change! 😤

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Ending their 2025/26 season with a 1-1 draw, O’Brien was named Ireland’s Man of the Match.

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Everton defender Jake O’Brien suffers mixed Ireland reviews

It has certainly been a long season for O’Brien, who has once again been played out of position by David Moyes at right-back for the Blues.

This is not the case when he plays for his nation, with Heimir Hallgrimsson playing him in his natural centre-back spot.

Despite this, O’Brien handed Canada the lead through an own goal after a corner deflected off him and into an empty net.

If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰

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“Gave away the corner that led to the opener, though he was unfortunate to see the ball ricochet off him and into the back of the net,” wrote Balls.ie.

“Other than the goal, he was assured defensively, making some key clearances and blocks to deny some Canadians from scoring. O’Brien was awarded the RTE Man of the Match which did seem a tad over the top.”

Everton are looking to upgrade O’Brien at right-back, which would free him up to return to his usual position in the middle of the defence.

It was a fairly solid performance from O’Brien against Canada, though, having made some crucial defensive plays.

However, there was a clear belief that the 25-year-old being named Man of the Match was slightly over the top.

Now it is time for O’Brien to enjoy some rest ahead of Moyes’ pre-season efforts with Everton.