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How Michael O'Neill has outlined new Everton plan for Braiden Graham after 'very technical' revelation
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- How Michael O'Neill has outlined new Everton plan for Braiden Graham after 'very technical' revelation
Michael O'Neill recently named Everton hotshot Braiden Graham in his squad for Northern Ireland's UEFA Nations League matches.
The winger has been included in O'Neill's squad for games that will start against Georgia on 25 September.
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The 18-year-old is a highly-rated prospect at Finch Farm and is arguably the most exciting youngster that the Toffees have right now.
David Moyes has stressed the importance of patience with Graham, who is yet to make his professional debut for the Blues.
He has started the season well for the U21s, scoring three times and assisting another in four games for David Hughes' side.
O'Neill has early faith in Graham, who could now make his professional debut for his country before he does with Everton.
Michael O'Neill makes position claim about Braiden Graham
Graham was called up to Northern Ireland's squad in May, but sat on the bench to watch his nation's friendly matches against Guinea and France .
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Moyes has included the teenager in each of his last three matchday squads, and is clearly waiting for the perfect time to introduce the attacker to the Hill Dickinson faithful.
Graham is naturally a left-winger, but can play centrally, on the right, or up top; the striker position is said to be a "long-standing problem" for Northern Ireland.
While speaking about the forward after his squad selection, O'Neill revealed what he intends to do with Graham moving forward.
The former Stoke City boss said, as quoted by BBC Sport : "I think the most important thing is not to try and pigeonhole him into a position.
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"He's adaptable because he's such a good player. I think at this minute in time his best option would be to play a little bit off the side, possibly as a 10, maybe around a bigger striker if you play a front-two.
"What he has shown us in training is a really high technical level and the ability to stick the ball in the net. Braiden's a very talented player; he's a very technical player, a great finisher."
O'Neill admitted he's watched the Everton youngster since he was 14, and that he's also impressed by his weaker left foot.
But the 57-year-old's plan is to take it easy with Graham, admitting every player develops in different ways, physically.
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Clearly, O'Neill currently sees Graham best suited to a wide player, with the potential to come more central in the coming years for Northern Ireland.
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Though Graham was called up to Northern Ireland's squad earlier this year, that may have just been to see the youngster in training.
Now that O'Neill has called up the winger a second time, he could genuinely play, with four matches lined up during the international break.
If Braham is good enough to play for his country, Everton should be finding him a temporary loan move within the EFL this January.
