Everton coach David Unsworth has described Cumbrian defender Jarrad Branthwaite as "outstanding" after he dropped down from the first-team scene to play for the Under-23s.
The former Carlisle United prospect impressed as Everton U23s beat Brighton 2-1 this week.
Branthwaite, 19, played the first half of the game as he got useful minutes under his belt.
He joined fellow first-team squad member Ellis Simms in the young Toffees' line-up.
Unsworth hailed the duo when speaking on Everton's website.
He said: “They were outstanding.
“It’s not just their performances, but their attitude to stepping down to the Under-23s.
“They’re now first-team players, which is brilliant. They’ve had their time with us and they’ve been a pleasure to work with.
“Their attitude was outstanding and that’s all you can ask when the first-team boys step down. All credit to them.”
Unsworth's comments confirm that Branthwaite, from Wigton, is very much part of the first-team squad under Rafael Benitez at Goodison Park.
He remains a highly-rated player at the Premier League club and has been on the first-team bench in recent Premier League games.
England Under-20 international Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle in January 2020 and has made six first-team appearances.
He also spent time on loan at Blackburn last season.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel