Nathan Patterson absence explained as Everton boss Sean Dyche gives sarcastic response to no-show question

Everton boss Sean Dyche has rubbished any chance of malicious behaviour as to why he isn't selecting former Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson.

The former Burnley boss, who was linked with Rangers amid the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, took charge at Everton at the end of the January transfer window, and has led the Toffees to a steady climb away from the drop zone with 12 points from nine games, a naturally mid-table tally – all without a fit, recognised striker.

Having chosen a go-to starting XI since his arrival, Dyche has opted for veteran right-back Seamus Coleman, who has featured in every league game since Dyche's appointment - meaning less game time for Patterson, who joined the club last January in a £15million move.

And because Patterson hasn't yet featured under the gravel-voiced ginger boss, fans have questioned where the starlet is having spent so much money on him. Patterson has missed 16 games since April 5 last year, which has made him a doubt to fully cement a starting place at the age of just 21. But Dyche gave a typically sarcastic answer as he has done throughout his impressive managerial career when quizzed about Patterson's whereabouts. He said on Thursday: "There's only so many you can put in a squad you know...I don't know if you've noticed."