'I thought Jake came through quite well' - O'Brien hailed by new Everton manager Moyes

'The strongest point of the team has always been defensively but I thought Jake would maybe give us a chance to build a little bit better when we've got the ball - which might free us up a little bit if we can work it.'

PRAISE: New Everton boss David Moyes has praised Corkman Jake O'Brien after making first Premier League appearance. Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Jake O’Brien was lauded by his new Everton manager David Moyes after making his first Premier League start in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Since the Corkman was signed from Lyon last summer for £16.4m, he’d only made the starting line-up for three cup matches, sporadically gathering 45 minutes of league action, but the picture has changed since Moyes returned to the club in succession to Sean Dyche.