Jake O'Brien will be furious with what Sean Dyche is doing to him at Everton

Everton defender Jake O'Brien is yet to start a Premier League match for the Blues since signing in the summer.

He finds himself behind Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane in the pecking order at Goodison Park.

However, news emerged on 1 January [Daily Mail] that Sean Dyche is not willing to allow the former Lyon man to leave on loan in January despite interest from foreign clubs.

The 23-year-old will be furious with the decision as it does not seem like he will force his way into Dyche's plans anytime soon.

Everton should allow loan deal for O'Brien

The Irish international has started just two EFL Cup matches and appeared twice from the substitutes bench in the league so far this season.

However, the £16.4 million signing will be kept around by the Blues as cover for those that are above him in the pecking order.

It would be hard for Dyche to justify dropping Branthwaite or Tarkowski right now given that his side have one of the best defensive records in the league in the last few months.

The Toffees have kept seven clean sheets since 1 October, the most in Europe's top five leagues in that period including against title contenders Chelsea and Arsenal.

If they are to avoid being dragged into a brutal relegation battle, they will need to keep up that good run and keep the formidable duo playing as many games as possible as they are currently just two points above the drop zone.

The Blues should allow O'Brien to leave on a loan deal if he is not going to get regular game time at Goodison Park otherwise the young defender could become unsettled sooner rather than later.

In other Everton news, Sean Dyche will wish he had a former player back under his management after the loss to Nottingham Forest.

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