Sean Dyche must be ruthless with Ashley Young as Everton injury news emerges
Ashley Young's absence for Everton in the game against Burnley offers Sean Dyche a unique opportunity to ease him out of the side.
For reasons best known to him, he has persisted with him and that has led to a few problems defensively with quicker wingers taking advantage of his frailties.
That even happened against Chelsea last weekend, but bringing in Nathan Patterson gave the side a much more balanced look.
Dyche said on December 14, "(Ashley) Young and Seamus (Coleman) won't be right for this one. We're hoping for a quick recovery from them two."
His absence could be a blessing in disguise as this will give Patterson one or two games to prove just how good he is.
Since he's arrived, everyone's seen the talent he's got but he's been terribly unlucky with injuries since his move to Goodison Park.
Now, with Young out and Coleman injured as well, he does not have anyone breathing down his neck for a spot in the team.
Dyche also needs to be ruthless with Young and not pick him once Patterson starts delivering.
The Englishman is a manager who does not like to shuffle things around too much and that's probably why he's been sticking with Young.
It remains to be seen how Patterson fares against Burnley on 16 December but there is a feeling that he will come good and strengthen the first team.