England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley says “brilliant” Jarrad Branthwaite is on the right track for a senior call-up one day.
The Cumbrian defender is set for his latest Under-21 outings later this month.
And head coach Carsley believes Everton’s former Carlisle United man can stay on course for full international honours if he maintains his club form.
Branthwaite is now a first-choice defender in the Under-21 side after having to be patient for his chance in the summer’s European Championships.
“The way he trained every day, the way he was around the environment, he deserves the chances he's getting and it's his place,” said Carsley.
“Hopefully he keeps playing well for Everton, keeps playing well for the Under-21s and puts himself in the picture for the senior team."
Branthwaite has become a fixture in Sean Dyche’s Everton defence in the Premier League season.
The 21-year-old has turned in a string of impressive displays with some observers tipping him for a full England call-up.
In the meantime he will get the chance to add to his U21 caps in Euro qualifiers against Serbia on November 18 and Northern Ireland four days later at Goodison Park.
Carsley, speaking to the media at Goodison Park, commented on how the Wigton star had benefited from last season’s loan spell at PSV Eindhoven.
“Young players have different stages and different phases [in how they] they develop and Jarrad is showing that maturity,” added Carsley.
“Getting that move away from Everton has probably lifted his status not only in football in England but European circles to show he can do it on different stages.
"He’s shown he's really adaptable and coachable, which is really important, and he's been a brilliant addition for the under-21s.
"I think it's important we understand that he's still young, he's a brilliant defender and it's going well for him, but at some point he's going to need some support when things aren't going so great and we don’t lose sight of a player with really high potential who is playing really well.”
Branthwaite is joined in the current U21 squad by fellow Cumbrian James Trafford, the Burnley goalkeeper, and striker Liam Delap, son of ex-Carlisle United star Rory.
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