View: Everton man will be desperate to catch Dyche's eye on int'l duty amid injury uncertainty

Everton boxed about as clever as they could in the most recent transfer window, especially accounting for the financial restraints they were operating under.

While it is clear that not all the issues were addressed, some smart work was done to ensure Sean Dyche had some reinforcement for his squad.

Jake O’Brien was among those brought in and, although some suggested that the Republic of Ireland international was coming in as Jarrad Branthwaite’s replacement, thankfully it turned out to be a signing to supplement Everton’s most prized asset not replace him.

What is surprising is that O’Brien has been little more than an onlooker, even though Branthwaite has spent most of the campaign on the sidelines with injury.

The 23-year-old has only featured for the Toffees a handful of times thus far despite a clamour from supporters for him to start over Michael Keane and partner James Tarkwoski.

But, now that Branthwaite has been sidelined again due to injury, O’Brien will hope to use the international break as an opportunity to impress Dyche and stake his claim.

Everton should start Jake O’Brien v Ipswich

Frustratingly for O’Brien, he didn’t start either of Ireland’s games last month, matches that yielded defeats to England and Greece.

He did come off the bench in the first of those games but with club-mate Seamus Coleman out injured, there may be a chance to get time on the pitch and show Dyche what he can do.

Games against Finland and the return clash with Greece might provide the ideal opportunity for O’Brien to get some minutes and he will simply be desperate for an opportunity to shine and show he can do a job for the Toffees.

When Everton resume domestic duties they come up against Ipswich Town, who have had a worse time of it than Everton in the Premier League this season with the Tractor Boys currently sitting 17th in the table, just one point behind the Toffees.

Their most recent game against West Ham United was arguably their worst performance of the season as Kieran McKenna’s men somehow allowed the Hammers to bag four goals against them in a 4-1 win.

Although Ipswich’s striker Liam Delap has been one of their best players, it still feels like Everton should start O’Brien for the clash.

He’s much faster than Keane and is far better on the ball than what the former Burnley man is.

The defender’s skillset alongside his strength on and off the ball would no doubt bolster the Toffees’ chances of keeping a clean sheet and gaining their second top-flight victory of the season.

Of course, it’s down to O’Brien to make the most of the opportunity he’s been given but, for now, the defender seems to be the most sensible option to fill in for Brantwaite on 19 October.

And hopefully can get an opportunity with Ireland in the meantime.

In other Everton news, Asmir Begovic has shared a transfer admission after his return to Goodison Park.

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