Jarrad Branthwaite says he's glad to be back in action after a "frustrating" time on the sidelines.

Everton's Cumbrian star made his first appearance of the season in a 60-minute outing for the Toffees' under-21s.

The England defender faced Sunderland on Sunday having returned from a minor groin operation.

The 22-year-old will now continue to build up his fitness ahead of a return to Premier League action.

“I’ve I had to take my time and it’s obviously been frustrating," said Branthwaite after the game.

"I would have loved to have been out there with the lads [in tge first team], but I just haven’t been able to do that, so I’ve been taking the time to come back stronger, so that when I do come back, I can make an impact.

“You’ve got to have full belief in your own ability, and I think after being out for such a long time – 14 or 15 weeks – it’s obviously going to be difficult getting back up to speed, but you’ve got to believe in yourself, and I do."

Former Carlisle United star Branthwaite, from Wigton, said his comeback game was just what he needed.

“I feel good. It’s good to get out there and get minutes under my belt," he added to Everton TV.

“It was a good game – entertaining. [It was] end-to-end, which is what I needed for my match fitness to get up to speed.

“I believe that when I get the chance to get back in the team, I’ll make an impact and help the team out.”

Branthwaite is keen to make his return for Sean Dyche's first team after his impressive 2023/24 campaign for the Goodison Park club.

The Cumbrian will also be eager to press his England claims after making his Three Lions debut against Bosnia & Herzegovina in June.