Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has praised Jake O’Brien’s performance at Old Trafford on Monday.
O’Brien started the game on the bench, but an injury to Seamus Coleman inside 10 minutes forced Moyes into a change.
It was Coleman’s first start of the season, and a milestone in the Irishman’s Everton career.
Indeed, it was appearance number 433 in a blue shirt, matching Dixie Dean and Leon Osman on the all-time list.
However, a hamstring injury cut his evening short, with his countryman coming on in his place.
Despite going down to 10 men just a few minutes after losing Coleman, Everton recorded a memorable 1-0 win.
O’Brien put in a solid display at right-back, and has been praised by teammate Pickford for his performance.
He said: “I was devastated for Seamie because everyone knows what type of lad he is, everyone knows how hard working he is and he thoroughly deserved his chance (only) to come off injured but then Jake’s straight on and puts in a great shift.
“That’s what a team is, don’t dwell on not getting picked, be ready when you get called upon and that’s what all the subs did tonight.”
O’BRIEN DESERVES A LOT OF CREDIT FOR HIS ATTITUDE AND PERFORMANCES THIS SEASON
Despite playing out of his natural position, O’Brien has had an impressive season for the Toffees.
The Irish international is clearly not a full-back, but has been solid when called upon by Moyes.
A right-back is still a must in January. It’s unlikely that Coleman will have a sustained period of fitness again, likewise Nathan Patterson, who’s never truly established himself.
James Garner was excellent at right-back against Fulham, and seems capable of playing well in any given role.
However, there’s no doubt Jake O’Brien deserves credit for the shift he put in on Monday, and indeed all season.