Dwight McNeil, Jake O'Brien, Everton, Ireland
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Mon 24 March 2025 20:39, UK
Dwight McNeil has sent Everton teammate Jake O’Brien a message after the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 win over Bulgaria.
The former Lyon star has endured a tough time at Goodison Park since his summer move but has begun to change his fortunes recently under David Moyes.
He has remained a fixture on the international level though, consistently starring for the Republic of Ireland despite his struggles at club level.
This was the case again as the Irish secured their place in League B of the UEFA Nations League with two victories against the Bulgarians.
Jake O'Brien
Everton defender Jake O’Brien (Credit: Everton Football Club on YouTube)
O’Brien stars for Ireland in Bulgaria win
O’Brien’s recent turnaround at Everton has been remarkable but he has always performed for his country even when he was warming the bench at Goodison Park.
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He was immense against Bulgaria back in a centre-back role rather than at right-back where he has starred under Moyes.
He took to Instagram after the contest (23 March) to celebrate, saying: “Job done over the two legs, and proud to have made my first competitive start, especially at the Aviva Stadium. Always an honor to represent my country.
“Been a top week with the lads, now full focus on the run-in.”
McNeil reacted by liking the post from his Blues teammate with Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher doing the same.
Everton need O’Brien to continue his rise to stardom
The Ireland defender had been frozen out by Sean Dyche, making just two appearances for a total of 34 minutes in the Premier League under the former Burnley man.
However, the 23-year-old has changed his fortunes on Merseyside since being shifted to the right under Moyes.
Stats O’Brien v Bulgaria
Pass accuracy 94%
Clearances 3
Recoveries 2
Aerial Duels won 5/5 (100%)
O’Brien’s stats in Ireland v Bulgaria (Credit: Fotmob)
He has started the last nine matches and scored twice since the Scotsman returned to the dugout and looks set to be a key player next season when the Blues make the move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
The long-term right-back spot seems like his to lose at the moment with veterans Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young out of contract in the summer and Nathan Patterson failing to impress Moyes.
Keeping O’Brien in a starting role will help the Toffees keep their momentum going into the new era as there is no player in the squad is as good form as him and if the Blues want to climb higher in the table, they need the Irishman to keep it up.
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