Nathan Patterson decision made ahead of Everton v Fulham
Everton appear to have decided to include Nathan Patterson in their squad to face Fulham instead of letting him play for the Under-21s.
The Under-21s have announced their team to face Liverpool in the Premier League 2 on Saturday (26 October) afternoon and Patterson is a notable exclusion.
Patterson played for Paul Tait’s side in their previous three league games as he stepped up his return from injury. With the Under-21s not playing last weekend, he was an unused substitute in the senior team’s 2-0 win over Ipswich Town on 19 October.
The right-back is now seemingly certain to be in Dyche’s squad to face Fulham against Goodison Park in the Premier League this afternoon in what can be considered a welcome boost.
Sean Dyche will welcome Nathan Patterson fitness boost ahead of Everton v Fulham
Ashley Young has done a great job at right-back in recent weeks, but, at 39 years of age, it would be too much to expect him to be available all the time.
This is why Dyche will welcome Patterson’s return from injury, with the 23-year-old possibly in line to play a few minutes off the bench against Fulham.
It is unlikely that the manager will name the Scot in his starting lineup as he is probably far from being able to handle 90 minutes of Premier League football.
Dyche would rather bring Patterson on as a second-half substitute in place of Young. It is worth noting that Seamus Coleman is also available for team selection.
Patterson, meanwhile, will be determined to get some minutes under his belt for the first time having built up his fitness with the Under-21s.
The former Rangers ace even got involved in the goals for Tait’s side, providing the assist for Harrison Armstrong’s goal in the team’s 3-3 draw with Reading Under-21s on 30 September.
In other Everton news, Darren Bent has delivered a relegation verdict about the Toffees after behind-the-scenes talks with Ashley Young.
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