Saikat Mandal

Fri 17 February 2023 22:10, UK

Everton duo Nathan Patterson and James Garner played for the U21 side on Friday (17 November) as they took another “big step” on their road to recovery, according to Joe Thomas. 

The Liverpool Echo journalist shared on Twitter that the duo had been named in the starting line-up in the side’s Premier League 2 game against Tottenham. 

Both the players have had difficult injuries this season, but their return to action is a welcome boost for Sean Dyche.

“As anticipated, Nathan Patterson and James Garner start for Everton U21s tonight in the side’s Premier League 2 game against Spurs. Big step on the road to recovery for both players following difficult injuries and a welcome boost for Sean Dyche as their progress continues,” wrote Thomas on Twitter.

Boost

The news will come as a massive boost for Dyche and he would be eager to work with them in training. Patterson has been out of action since he picked up a menial ligament injury during Everton’s defeat to Brighton last month.

Garner picked up a back injury in November and he was expected to be out for a lengthy spell. The former Manchester United midfielder is now fully fit and Dyche can use him in midfield going forward.

The Toffees boss probably will be more thrilled to work with Patterson who has been arguably one of the most consistent performers this season.

The former Rangers right-back joined in the previous January transfer window, signed by Rafa Benitez. After initial struggles, he became a regular for the first team under Frank Lampard.

He is a fantastic defender who is very aware of his positional sense and is equally entertaining going forward. The only problem with Patterson is that he has picked up this bad habit of picking up freakish injuries.

This season, he has picked up three separate injuries already, and this is not a healthy sign for a young defender.

Garner is a terrific midfield talent but he has barely featured this season. The duo will be like new signings for Dyche.