Nathan Patterson has been challenged to ensure he stays fit to prove he can nail down a first-team spot at Everton.
Manager David Moyes has told the defender to be ready to make an impact when he is called upon this season after injury issues during his time at the club.
Patterson is yet to feature for Everton this season, having been sidelined with a muscle injury for the opening weeks of the Premier League.
The Scotland internationalist was on the bench against Aston Villa and Liverpool as well as for the EFL cup tie against Wolves, but has not been used by Moyes on the pitch this term.
Patterson did play 10 times for Everton in the Premier League last season but also spent time on the sidelines with a thigh and then hamstring issue.
Now, Moyes has called on Patterson, and his wider squad, to ensure they are ready to capitalise on opportunities to play this season.
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“The main thing is for him to get himself in the best condition, fit, train well," said Moyes as he admitted Patterson had faced fitness problems. "We've not got loads of cover at right back, we've not got loads of players.
As quoted by Tribal Football, Moyes added: "Opportunities come around sometimes when you least expect it and you have to be ready for it and that's when you've got to show what you can do.
"So I'd say that to all the players, be ready for when your opportunity comes and take it with both hands when you get it.”
