Mykolenko and Graham could face each other in Everton international clash
Everton teammates Vitalii Mykolenko and Braiden Graham could line up on opposite sides when Ukraine face Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening.
Mykolenko is part of Ukraine’s senior squad, while Graham has been selected by Northern Ireland for the November international break. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7.45pm GMT, although neither player’s involvement in the starting line-up has been confirmed.
The fixture offers an unusual Everton connection, with an established first-team defender potentially coming up against a young forward looking to build his international experience.
Mykolenko and Graham in opposing international squads
Mykolenko has become a regular for Ukraine and remains an important member of David Moyes’ Everton squad. His defensive work and experience at international level have made him a dependable option on the left side of the Blues’ back four.
Graham, 20, is at an earlier stage of his career. The Northern Ireland forward is continuing to gain senior international experience while working towards greater involvement in Everton’s first team.
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Everton players involved across international weekend
Mykolenko and Graham are not the only Everton players who could feature on Saturday. Jake O’Brien and Mark Travers are in the Republic of Ireland squad for their Nations League fixture away to Austria, which also kicks off at 7.45pm GMT.
There is youth international interest too, with Luis Gardner and Shea Pita representing Wales Under-19s during their European Championship qualifying campaign. Kai Hutchison is also involved with Scotland Under-17s, who face Albania.
Friday brought a milestone for Harrison Armstrong, who made his first England Under-21 start in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Portugal at Ashton Gate. Tyrique George also started, with both Everton players substituted in the second half.
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The pair are due to have another opportunity when England Under-21s face France on Monday evening.
Brentford awaits after international break
Everton return to Premier League action away to Brentford on Monday 23 November at 8pm GMT, with Moyes’ side looking to extend a run of three consecutive league victories.
Mykolenko will be hoping to return from international duty ready for that fixture, while Graham’s involvement with Northern Ireland provides another chance to gain experience before rejoining the Everton squad.
For supporters, Saturday’s meeting between Ukraine and Northern Ireland carries an added point of interest: the possibility of seeing two Blues teammates on opposite sides of an international fixture.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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