Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite has spoken of the “privilege” of playing in front of another former Carlisle United man at Everton.

The Wigton defender says he is relishing being part of the same side as England No1 Jordan Pickford.

Branthwaite has started Everton’s last two Premier League games and the most recent outing, a 2-2 draw at Sheffield United, saw Pickford produce a crucial late save for Sean Dyche’s side.

The 21-year-old Branthwaite says it is no secret why the man who was on loan at Carlisle in 2014 remains the national team’s first-choice gloveman.

“It’s brilliant,” added Branthwaite, when asked by Everton’s official channels about playing in front of a keeper of Pickford’s calibre.

 “It gives you confidence.

“You saw the save at the end [against Sheff Utd] and that’s why he’s England’s No.1 as well.

“His ability with his feet, his saves…it’s brilliant to play in front of him. It’s a privilege.”

News and Star: Branthwaite, left, and Pickford, right, pictured during their respective spells at CarlisleBranthwaite, left, and Pickford, right, pictured during their respective spells at Carlisle (Image: Barbara Abbott / Stuart Walker)

Branthwaite missed out on action for England Under-21s during the international break, as he required treatment for what Everton described as a “minor” groin injury.

But the ex-Carlisle star will be hoping to return for the Toffees’ Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday.

Dyche has called Branthwaite into his side in recent weeks after the young Cumbrian started the campaign on the bench.

“I think I said after the Stoke [pre-season] game I was ready to play – whenever the gaffer chooses me, I’m here,” Branthwaite added.

“The two games I’ve played, I’ve given my all.”

Branthwaite’s fellow England Under-21 Cumbrian, James Trafford, will also return to Premier League action after his latest international outing.

The Greysouthen goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet in the U21s’ 3-0 Euro qualifier win in Luxembourg - where Liam Delap, son of ex-Carlisle star Rory, was among the scorers - will be in the Burnley side as they take on Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Vincent Kompany’s Clarets will be seeking their first points of the season at the City Ground.