Jarrad Branthwaite makes admission about Everton future after Chelsea frustration

Jarrad Branthwaite has his sights set on more Everton game-time after frustratingly not being able to capitalise on his strong performance against Chelsea in December.

The centre-back was thrust into the starting XI as the Blues fielded an depleted line-up at Stamford Bridge thanks to injuries.

However, the former Carlisle United man proved to be a difference-maker as the visitors secured what seemed an unlikely draw as he got his foot to Anthony Gordon's brilliant free-kick delivery.

Following that game, a slight injury kept Branthwaite from staying in the side for subsequent matches, which he admitted was frustrating.

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But he hopes his recent display against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup can catch new manager Frank Lampard's eye.

Branthwaite told evertonfc.com : "Hopefully my performance tonight [Thursday] said to the manager that I'm ready [for more games]. Obviously, it's against a lower-league team but you still have to go out there and perform well.

"Hopefully I've caught the manager's eye.

"I've just got to keep working hard and those opportunities will come, as we've seen.

"When I came on at Newcastle that was one and then again tonight I've had another. I've just got to keep working and see where that takes me.

"It was frustrating [not being able to build momentum after the Chelsea performance] but I knew that could happen.

"That's what it is as a young player. There are experienced pros there that are in the team because they've played so many games and they've done well."

Recent weeks have seen fringe players given their chances by Lampard, including fellow defender Jonjoe Kenny who has excelled in numerous positions.

And Branthwaite