Everton manager David Moyes was asked about Seamus Coleman's position in the pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Sunderland
Everton manager David Moyes during his pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Sunderland
Everton manager David Moyes during his pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Sunderland
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Everton manager David Moyes is pleased that club captain Seamus Coleman remains an option for him. But he insists he sees no reason to take Jake O’Brien out of the side.
Coleman, who celebrated his 37th birthday this month, is just one appearance away from equalling the number of matches played by Dixie Dean and Leon Osman (both 433 in all competitions) and breaking into the Blues’ all-time top-10.
However, despite taking his caps total to 75 for the Republic of Ireland in the last international break, starting back-to-back games – a feat he hasn’t managed for Everton since the last two outings of the 2023/24 season - he has been an unused substitute for his club since then.
Moyes says he’s happy to continue with Coleman’s compatriot O’Brien, a natural centre-back in the right-back berth he brought him into the side in back in January.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference for the trip to Sunderland on Monday, the 62-year-old said: “Seamus has done really well. I was pleased he got the games for Ireland because it got him some more minutes under his belt and got him a bit more match ready.
“He’s never been out of my thinking but in the main the form of big Jake’s been very good, we’ve not had any reason to do it.
“It gives us a lot of other things, it gives us a little bit more stature, he’s a very quick boy.
“Seamus has always been there and as far as I’m concerned, will always be there or thereabouts.”
Another right-back option who is facing a spell on the sidelines is Nathan Patterson, who has yet to turn out for the first team this term.
Moyes said of his fellow Glaswegian: “Patto has had a small procedure on his groin, he’s obviously not available for this game. We’ve got a couple of knocks and bruises and one or two people with little bits, but hopefully we’ll be okay.”
Another player certainly out of Monday's match is Jarrad Branthwaite, who underwent an operation on his hamstring injury earlier this month.