Irish ex-pupil of David Moyes knows Everton boss’ plans for Jake O’Brien

He knows from experience.

Back in the mid-2000s, former Ireland midfielder, Kevin Kilbane, was a stalwart for David Moyes's Everton side.

He played for the Toffees from 2003-2006, amassing over 100 caps for the Merseyside club before leaving for Wigan.

Everton's most prominent Irishman since has, of course, been captain and club-legend Séamus Coleman, while James McCarthy also won his fair share of caps.

Hoping to be the next Irish regular in the side is Jake O'Brien, who has flourished since the return of Moyes to the club in January, having struggled for game time under Sean Dyche.

Brought in as a centre back from Lyon, the towering, 6ft 6in Cork man has been shifted to fullback by the new gaffer.

Writing in his column for the Irish Times, Kilbane explained this development tactic used by Moyes, and gave his prediction as to where O'Brien will end up next season.

He wrote. "My old gaffer loves a big full-back, like O’Brien who is a towering 6ft 6in.

"But there is a method behind how Moyes develops young, powerful centre-halves and it starts by shifting them to full-back.

"Moyes replaced Sean Dyche and Everton went nine matches unbeaten to steer clear of relegation with O’Brien at right-back as James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite started at the heart of the defence.

"O’Brien kept his place despite the return from injury of international full-backs Séamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson.

"Watch what happens next season. I bet that Jake will be eased across to partner [James] Tarkowski as I think [Jarrad] Branthwaite will leave."