Nathan Patterson earns veiled Frank Lampard plaudits as new Premier League rule offers Everton chance

Everton boss Frank Lampard reckons the international break has benefited out of favour stars like Nathan Patterson.

The Scotland youngster got to stretch his legs against Poland and Austria having been frozen out at Goodison Park.

The right-back has been handed just 45 minutes of football at Everton since leaving Rangers in January.

However, the 20-year-old continued his impressive form for the national side during the double header for Steve Clarke's side.

When asked about Patterson and his Toffees' teammates international exploits, Lampard offered praise to the players.

He said: "It's been welcome. I think at a time with a run-in coming, it's good for them to play for their countries. We've used it as positively as they can.

""I challenge them all the time to show what they're made of. There's nothing in my comments (after facing Crystal Palace) which is too far from the norm. The character is there, it's just applying it in the right way is always crucial."

A new English Premier League means that five substitutes will be allowed for Everton in the relegation run-in.

That offers Patterson more of a chance of a run-out in the first-team, with Lampard looking to ring the changes ahead of the clash with West Ham.

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