Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says they are counting on Cumbrian teenager Jarrad Branthwaite for the future.

The 18-year-old former Carlisle United defender made his Premier League debut for the Toffees in their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves at the weekend.

And although they did not win, Ancelotti said that Branthwaite had done well for his first outing after coming on mid way through the second half in the clash at Molineux on Sunday.

Ancelotti told the club website: “He did his job, he came on in a difficult game where it was not good enough on the pitch.

“He did well and it was good experience for him.

“We are counting on him for the future,

“He has to improve but he has the quality to be with us.”

Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020 after some impressive performances at Brunton Park.

And in a show of how much talent Everton believe Branthwaite to have, they have already handed him an extension to the initial two-and-a-half-year deal.

Everton exercised an option in Branthwaite’s contract to trigger a 12 month extension when he turned 18, which was at the end of last month.

And the club confirmed at the start of July that Branthwaite has signed a new deal, which now keeps him at Goodison until the end of June 2023.

Everton are currently stuck in mid-table in the top flight and Ancelotti is now demanding his team show the same “intensity” displayed in their first three games after the Premier League restart in the Blues’ remaining contests this season.

Everton’s first match after the suspension of top-flight football was a 0-0 Merseyside derby draw at Goodison, which Ancelotti’s side followed up with victories over Norwich City and Leicester City.

But he was not so happy with the loss to Wolves. And he wants his side to pick back up when they take on Aston Villa tomorrow night at Goodison Park, kick off at 6pm.