Everton boss Sean Dyche says he likes what he sees with Cumbrian defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The former Carlisle United man was on the bench for Everton's Premier League opener.
But manager Dyche has stressed that the 20-year-old is still getting up to peak fitness.
It follows Branthwaite's involvement in England's successful Under-21 Euros campaign this summer, which saw him return for pre-season at Goodison Park later than most of his team-mates.
Dyche said: "Jarrad has done well in pre-season but he missed a couple of weeks so he is still getting fit and sharp.
"But we like what we have seen so far and we’re just getting used to him," added the Everton chief in the Liverpool Echo.
Branthwaite, having impressed during a season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, has targeted regular Premier League involvement with the Toffees this campaign.
The Wigton star has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Manchester United, West Ham United and Liverpool among the clubs linked.
But the signs point to him remaining at Goodison Park in this window at least.
Branthwaite was involved in a number of Everton's pre-season friendlies, and also played in a behind-closed-doors training game against Manchester United.
Everton, who were beaten 1-0 at home by Fulham in their opening league game, go to Aston Villa on Sunday.
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