REPUBLIC of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien and girlfriend Sophie have announced they are expecting their first child.
The Ireland and Everton star‘s partner revealed the emotional news with a heartwarming video post on Instagram.
The video transitions to her getting a scan[/caption]
During the appointment, she showed off the first sonogram[/caption]
Evan Ferguson led the comments of well wishes to the couple[/caption]
The video depicts Sophie reacting to the initial positive test herself before O’Brien enters the bathroom and is shown the test.
The couple then share a hug before the video cuts to her at a doctor’s appointment at which she gets a sonogram.
She said: “Time for our next chapter
..
“Never felt love like this 
”
The comments were flooded with well-wishes, led by the 23-year-old’s international teammate Evan Ferguson.
The on-loan West Ham striker said: “Congrats to the both of use 
” while Killian Phillips commented: “Can’t wait to be a godfather”
Ireland and Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone said: “Congrats guys 
” while Ireland and Brighton star Mark O’Mahony posted: “Congrats to the both of ye 
”
Nathan joked: “Congragulations!!!! That babies gonna be playing in the NBA” and Liam remarked: “Moyes has turned this man into a superstar on and off the pitch. Unreal”
Everton megafan and streamer Ryan Hall said: “Congrats to both of you! Amazing news 
”
2025 is turning into the year of a lifetime for Jake O’Brien, between him soon to become a dad and his emergence at Everton.
Frustrated under Sean Dyche since signing from Lyon, he has become a crucial component at right-back under the returning David Moyes.
Everton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under the Scot, who was manager for 11 years before leaving for an ill-fated run at Manchester United in 2013.
The peak of that run has been the sensational 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last Merseyside Derby to take place at Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski scored the equaliser in that game and, speaking to Men in Blazers, he praised the Corkman for his rise.
He said: “It’s not always easy to come to a new club if you don’t get into the team at first, to come into the side and play the way he has.
“He’s still fairly young, he’s still learning, but he’s a physical monster.
“Very good technically on the ball, he’s playing at right-back currently but dealing with the ball very well.
“Defending one-on-one very well, he’s come up against some of the best wingers in the league so far but dealt with all of them.
“So yeah, I’ve been really, really impressed.”
