Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite has made his first appearance for four months after returning from injury.

The Everton defender played for the Toffees' Under-23s in a pre-season game against Southport.

It marked the Wigton teenager's comeback from an ankle injury which he suffered on loan with Blackburn in April.

Everton's 2-1 win saw former Carlisle United prospect Branthwaite put in an excellent display according to Under-23 assistant boss John Ebbrell.

He told the Toffees' website: “Jarrad was terrific in the game.

“He has had some time out, so it was great to get him back on the pitch.

“He did absolutely fine and played for about an hour.

"He’s a great lad and he just needs minutes on the pitch, so that match will be important for him.”

Branthwaite is hoping to catch the eye of new Toffees' boss Rafa Benitez after returning to fitness, following the departure to Real Madrid of the manager who signed him, Carlo Ancelotti.

The 19-year-old Cumbrian, who Everton bought from Carlisle in January 2020, impressed when he made four top-flight appearances in his first campaign on Merseyside.

Last season then saw him head to Ewood Park to gain further first-team experience in January, Branthwaite featuring 10 times for Blackburn in the Championship before suffering an injury against Derby.

While the teenager will hope to push his way into the first-team reckoning at Goodison Park, Carlisle will face Everton's Unnder-23s in the Papa John's Trophy at Brunton Park on September 28.

They also faced the young Toffees' side in a pre-season friendly recently, winning 3-2.

Carlisle's new striker Manasse Mampala, formerly with Everton, recently revealed he spoke to Branthwaite ahead of his decison to sign for the Cumbrians.