Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Southampton (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Dyche is hopeful Dwight McNeil will be available for the trip to St Mary’s and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has had a “small issue”, should also be fit.
James Garner will be sidelined for weeks with his back injury and has stopped training on the grass in line with medical advice. Dyche added: “It is likely to be beyond a month, I’m pretty sure, but we will see.”
Striker Beto, who scored against Fulham, has trained well on Thursday and is continuing to work hard as he comes back from injury.
On Beto’s confidence after scoring: “It is bound to bring a real feel good factor. He’s had his question marks but he continues to learn.”
Dyche said Everton have “got to perform better than in the last game” [Fulham] if they are to get a result against Southampton.
Armando Broja is still working with the sports science team but could return to light training next week.
On whether it is Nathan Patterson’s time to get a chance: “It is time when he is ready to appear in the first team. No-one is holding anyone back here. If you are fit enough and good enough you will play.”
He said his side are learning to “grind and play our way out of things” to get points from games. Dyche added: “The work myself, the players and staff have put in is beginning to show.”
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