Evan Ferguson, Dwight McNeil react to Everton ace Jake O’Brien’s ‘done’ message
Jake O’Brien took to social media after the Everton man starred in the Republic of Ireland’s back-to-back wins over Bulgaria in the Nations League.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side won promotion back to Nations League Group A with a 2-1 victory at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 23 March, thanks to goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah.
Having experienced a resurgence under David Moyes’ leadership at Everton, O’Brien has become an important part of the squad back at Goodison Park and was given the chance to prove himself further.
The 23-year-old was benched for Ireland’s first game of the international tournament, but with the team desperate for victory, he was given the nod over Ipswich’s Dara O’Shea for the home leg.
Jake O’Brien fuelled by confidence after Everton resurgence
Taking to Instagram [23 March], O’Brien wrote: “Job done over the two legs, and proud to have made my first competitive start, especially at the Aviva Stadium. Always an honour to represent my country.
“Been a top week with the lads, now full focus on the run-in,” with a blue heart emoji, readying himself for the Toffees’ upcoming Premier League clash against Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
West Ham’s Brighton loanee Ferguson commented: “The big guy!” while teammate Dwight McNeil liked the post.
David Moyes may need defensive reinforcement as Jarrad Branthwaite rumours swirl
Football Insider verdict
Despite playing out of position at Goodison Park, O’Brien looked like a natural in the centre-back role on international duty, proving to Moyes that the Toffees have yet another solid defender in the ranks.
James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, who Everton are “doing everything” to keep this summer, are the preferred partners at the back for the Blues, with O’Brien now covering at right-back and Vitaliy Mykolenko entrusted on the opposite flank.
| Jake O’Brien v Bulgaria | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Pass completion | 94% (60/64) |
| Shot accuracy | 100% (2/2) |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Aerial duels won | 100% (5/5) |
The Friedkin Group’s new takeover at Everton has sparked a lot of excitement ahead of the summer transfer window, but given the rumours circulating, supporters are wary this could be Branthwaite’s final season on Merseyside.
It is likely to be a summer of change for the Toffees once the current season comes to a close, one which could see quite a bit of money spent and several players leaving Goodison Park after lengthy spells.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Abdoulaye Doucoure could all find new homes, and Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman are coming to the end of their careers.