Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has called for patience when it comes to defining Braiden Graham's role, insisting it would be a mistake to lock the teenage Everton forward into any single position at this stage of his development.

Graham, 18, began his career as a central striker — a position that has long posed a selection headache for Northern Ireland. Everton boss David Moyes recently suggested the youngster is "probably someone who would play off the sides" in the Premier League, but O'Neill is happy to keep all options open.

"I think the most important thing is not to try and pigeonhole him into a position," O'Neill said. "He's adaptable and 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, which not many teams do."

O'Neill also highlighted what Graham has demonstrated during training sessions. "What he has shown us in training is a real high technical level and the ability to stick the ball in the net," the manager added.

A second stint in the senior panel

Graham has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for a Uefa Nations League quadruple-header, starting away to Georgia on 25 September. This marks his second call-up to the senior panel, having first been included for June friendlies against Guinea and France.

He came close to making his international debut against France, warming up as a substitute before the final whistle ended the game before he could come on. O'Neill acknowledged that Graham "deserved" a senior debut based on his conduct and performances throughout that June window.

Physical development not a concern

Standing at 5ft 9in, questions have been raised about Graham's suitability as a traditional number nine at the top level. O'Neill, however, pointed out that physical development follows its own timeline for every player.

"Every player develops physically differently. It's very difficult to play in the Premier League as a striker — look at the profile of what clubs want as their striker," he said. "But Braiden's a very talented player, he's a very technical player, a great finisher. He has a really good left foot, he's smart in terms of how he plays."

O'Neill revealed he has followed Graham's progress for several years, tracking him since the age of 14 or 15, and the former Linfield attacker has been an unused substitute in three Everton fixtures so far this season.