Carlo Ancelotti has defended the performance of young defender Jarrad Branthwaite after he came on as a substitute against Wolves Sunday.
The 18-year-old made his debut in the 3-0 defeat against Wolves and gave away the free-kick that lead to Wolves' second goal, minutes after coming on.
But Ancelotti has told fans that he is for the future and praised the young defender's performance. Speaking to the club's website, Ancelotti said: “He did his job, he came on in a difficult game where it was not good enough on the pitch.
“He did well and it was good experience for him.
“We are counting on him for the future,
“He has to improve but he has the quality to be with us.”
Branthwaite was Everton's only January signing after he joined from League two side Carlisle United for a rumoured £1 million. Everton then exercised an option to extend his two and a half year deal by an extra year once he turned 18 at the end of last month.
Branthwaite may be called upon for Everton's next game with Aston Villa tomorrow night's Premier League game with senior defender Yerry Mina out with a knock. Everton do have Mason Holgate and Andre Gomes available who both missed the last game through injury.