Patterson has to be patient - and remain fit

NATHAN Patterson must maintain his fitness and stay prepared if he wants to challenge for a spot in Everton's starting lineup, says David Moyes.

- By JOE THOMAS Everton FC Correspondent

The Blues boss has used centre-back Jake O'Brien on the right of his defence since he returned to the club in January, a move that has had success.

After efforts to sign a specialist in that position failed over the summer, O'Brien has continued out wide.

The towering Republic of Ireland international has retained Moyes' faith ahead of Patterson, who had his preseason disrupted by injury after initially enjoying minutes in the first XI.

If he is to put pressure on O'Brien, staying fit after a long period of injury misfortune is crucial, the Blues boss said.

Patterson looked set to depart Everton this summer, with a loan move to Sevilla lined up before it collapsed in the final days of the transfer window.