David Unsworth has revealed that both Ellis Simms and Jarrad Branthwaite are now first team players after both stepped down to Everton's under-23s earlier in the week.
The pair were both in the starting line-up for the youth side as they took on Brighton at Goodison Park on Monday evening, securing a 2-1 win thanks to strikes from Lewis Dobbin and Reece Welch in the first half.
Both were withdrawn at half time of the victor earlier in the week after strong performances for 45 minutes as they both continue their recoveries from respective injuries this term.
And Unsworth later confirmed that both are now considered first team players, and were just stepping down to the level briefly to improve their fitness.
Branthwaite has turned out for the senior side already this season, starting the 2-1 win over Huddersfield in the League Cup, while Simms is still yet to make his bow for the first team.
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However, the striker did recently commit his future to the club by putting pen-to-paper on a new contract keeping him at Goodison Park until 2024.
Unsworth told evertonfc.com: “They were outstanding.
“It’s not just their performances, but their attitude to stepping down to the Under-23s.
“They’re now first-team players, which is brilliant. They’ve had their time with us and they’ve been a pleasure to work with.
“Their attitude was outstanding and that’s all you can ask when the first-team boys step down. All credit to them.”
Both will look to be involved for Rafa Benitez's side as they travel to take on Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
The squad is facing something of an injury crisis currently and will now be without both Demarai Gray and Richarlison after their respective injury and suspension against Man City last weekend.
