Djibril Sidibe is "pushing" Seamus Coleman for his place in the Everton side, says Marco Silva.
Sidibe was handed his Blues debut against Lincoln City last month in the Carabao Cup and could be recalled for tomorrow night's third round tie at Sheffield Wednesday.
The 27-year-old joined on loan from AS Monaco in the final week of the window and Silva says his lack of pre-season with the Blues meant have needed to be patient with the France international.
But Silva says that first-choice right-back Coleman "knows" he competition for his place and an experienced player breathing down his neck.
"He is pushing, he is pushing," Silva said.
"You are talking about an experienced player. He didn't do the pre-season with us but he is the type of player who you don't have doubts about his quality. He's been champion of the world, he has played at a high, high level in the Champions League, all these things.
"If you can see him playing in some games in pre-season then it is a little bit different but he is pushing, he is pushing. He always come here to work hard and get his space in the team. Seamus knows he has a player there trying to get his place in the starting XI, trying to get his place, so it is good for us."
Jonas Lossl and Leighton Baines, meanwhile, were not included in Saturday's squad for the game with Sheffield United but both have returned to full fitness.
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